A proclamation was made yesterday (February 6), by the Mayor of the city of Toronto in Canada, David Miller, marking the occasion as Bob Marley Day:
Following is the text of the proclamation:

“WHEREAS Robert Nesta Marley was born on February 6, 1945 and in his 36 years, his life and music left an enduring impact of love, hope, creativity and inspiration.

“Bob Marley earned his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the distinctive reggae beat of music which captivated people of all cultures, changed the history of popular music and continues to inspire people around the world.

“Through his music, Bob Marley became an international ambassador for peace, courageously speaking out against oppression, poverty, slavery, apartheid and for human rights and for this work he was honoured by the United Nations with the Peace Medal of the Third World and by his home country of Jamaica with the Order of Merit.

“A fundamental strength of our community is based on the diversity among the people of Toronto and the climate of mutual understanding which has come from respect for the heritage and traditions of communities in our City.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor David Miller, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2006 as ‘Bob Marley Day’ in the City of Toronto and join with Torontonians of Jamaican heritage to salute a great humanitarian and artist.”