What would Bob say?
IN FEBRUARY, we celebrate the birth of one of Jamaica’s most iconic musicians, Bob Marley. We all know him as the king of reggae and an activist, but some have described him as a true prophet. Perhaps now more than ever, his words are needed to guide us through this tumultuous time in our country, so what would Bob say about ...
1. Teen depression?
This is a serious mentalhealth problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects the way a teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems.
Bob: “Men and people will fight ya down/When ya see Jah light/Let me tell you if you’re not wrong/Everything is all right/So, we gonna walk, all right!/Through de roads of creation/We the generation, trod through great tribulation.” Song: Exodus
2. The recent spike in crime and the ZOSO operation?
ZOSO (zones of special operation) is a unique measure taken for upholding and preserving the rule of law, public order, citizen security, and public safety in certain geographically defined areas of Jamaica. This is an initiative to curb the level of violence in volatile areas, which recently recorded spikes in criminal activities.
Bob: “No chains around my feet/But I’m not free/I know I am bounded in captivity, oh now. Concrete Jungle/Why won’t you let me be?” Song: Concrete Jungle
3. Child abuse?
Child abuse or child maltreatment is physical, sexual or psychological maltreatment or neglect of a child, or children, especially by a parent or other caregiver. Every child who has experienced abuse or neglect will have his or her own response to the trauma. While some children have long-lasting effects, others are able to recover quicker and with greater ease. There is not a right or wrong way for a child to cope with the effects of the abuse and neglect suffered.
Bob: “But someone will ‘ave to pay/For the innocent blood/That they shed every day/Oh, children, mark my word/It’s what the Bible say, yeah!, yeah!” Song: We and Dem
4. Slow economic growth?
Many would argue that the Jamaican economy has been somewhat stagnant. In fact, within the last five years, we have not yet seen any drastic improvement, though a number measures have been put in place to aid in the development.
Bob: “Time alone, oh, time will tell/Think you’re in heaven, but you’re living in hell/Think you’re in/heaven, but you’re living in hell/Think you’re in heaven, but you’re living in hell/Time alone, oh, time will tell/You think you’re in heaven, but you’re living in hell.” Song: Time Will Tell