Office of the Prime Minister

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Mrs. Rita Marley (L) greets Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Kenneth Baugh who officiated for Prime Minister Bruce Golding, at this morning's (April 28) service for the life of Cedella Marley-Booker, mother of reggae legend Bob Marley. The service took place at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church on Maxfield Avenue, Kingston. Sharing the moment are Culture Minister, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and Island Records' Chris Blackwell, friend of the Marley family. The Government announced that Mrs. Booker will be awarded a posthumous Order of Distinction for her service and dedication.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, through Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ken Baugh, this morning (April 28) announced that Cedella Marley-Booker, will be posthumously awarded the Order of Distinction.

Dr Baugh made the announcement this morning while officiating for Prime Minister Bruce Golding at the funeral ceremony in honour of the life and legacy of Cedella Marley-Booker, mother of reggae legend, Bob Marley, at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church on Maxfield Avenue in Kingston.

Dr Baugh told the congregation that the government's decision was based on the inspiration that Mrs. Marley-Booker gave, the foundation she laid, her own struggles and achievements. 'Their candles have gone out long before their legend ever will. What they have started is an international movement that will live forever', Dr Baugh said in reference to the contribution made by Mrs. Booker and the legendary Bob Marley.

Recapturing her accomplishments, the Deputy Prime Minister said Mrs. Booker was always motivated to better herself and to look after her children, 'Though she might have been a victim of tragedy, difficulties and poverty, she was never a victim of boredom as she struggled to always improve herself ', Dr Baugh concluded,

In her tribute to Mrs. Booker, Rita Marley, her daughter-in-law, expressed her family's appreciation for the announcement of the posthumous award from the government. Mrs. Marley said it was well earned and deserving. "I know she would have loved this and she's smiling down at us at this moment'.

She expressed special appreciation to Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and Chris Blackwell, both of whom she said, have always been there for the Marley family.

Mrs. Marley also recognized Mrs. Booker's other four children, especially her son, Richard whom she said was her right hand when there was no-one else around.

Following this morning's service at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Mrs. Marley-Booker will be interred at the Marley Mausoleum, Nine Miles, St Ann beside her son, Bob Marley. Cedella Marley, born July 23, 1926, died on April 8.

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