Landmark monuments to Robert Nesta Marley, the avowed Caribbean’s first superstar seems to be a globally expanding tribute to the Jamaican reggae legend. The latest is the renaming of a recreational playground in Wilmington, Delaware. Allegedly, the city plans to rename an area One Love Park in honor of the icon and the reggae anthem he recorded.
According to the Theo Gregory, president of the Wilmington City Council, “The lyrics of ‘One Love’ and what the song has come to mean to people in the years since Bob Marley composed it, is what I hope to capture by renaming the park.”
He said the lyrics to the positive song along with its impact on the city’s people influenced his decision to rename the park.
“We all need a reminder from time to time about the importance of love in our hearts for our children and for each other. I want children who play in One Love Park to ask why it was given that name and accept their responsibility to make this a better city and world.”
Allegedly, the same year Jamaica celebrated independence, Marley’s mother, Cedella Malcom, moved into a house in Wilmington, Delaware, near Tatnall Street Park. That was 1962. Four years later, her would-be-famous son joined her to live at the same address. As it turned out, his wife Rita gave birth to her second son Stephen Wilmington in 1972.
Located at 24th and North Tatnall Streets, One Love Park will be a constant reminder that the iconic Rastafarian and reggae legend had a connection to the area. Added to that, almost two decades ago, the city began hosting an annual music festival dedicated to Marley. Known as the Peoples’ Festival, this year’s fest is slated for July.
PANAMA PIONEERS SUBWAY SYSTEM IN CENTRAL AMERICA
Panama is once again leading the Central American region by introducing the first subway system there. Recently President Ricardo Martinelli, the nation’s leader hosted the inaugural ride in Panama City.
“Many times I’ve been called crazy for wanting to do works like this, but here it is, and it is for the Panamanian people,” Martinelli said.
Riders at the inauguration did not have to pay a fee and allegedly fares will be waived for the first few months. The government has not said how much a ride will cost, but the out-going Martinelli said the metro “is going to be cheap.”
This is not the first time Panama has led the region in pioneering transportation enterprise. In 1850, Panama began construction of the Panama Railroad. Five years later on Jan. 28, 1855 the transcontinental railroad opened. By connecting the isthmus that separates two continents – North and South America, Panama became known as the “bridge of the world.”
Reportedly, the metro will alleviate the traffic from the capital city.
The project which began in 2010 has also been described as Martinelli’s last legacy of his presidency. The 62-year-old supermarket magnate is due to leave office in July and allegedly is riding high on an approval rating of 60 per cent.
Allegedly since Martinelli took office in 2009, Panama has spent more than $15 billion on infrastructure improvements. Allegedly new hospitals, airports and 990 miles of highways have also seen improvements during his tenure.
Critics of the project claim the Brazilian-constructed subway system is Panama’s second costliest in the past century, surpassed only by the current $5.25-billion expansion of the Panal Canal that began before he became president.
Catch you on the Inside!
