Culture Minister Olivia Babsy Grange today (Oct 10) opened the debate on the bill aimed at clearing the names of some National Heroes.

The move comes on the heels of calls by Irie FM and Pan Africanists, for Jamaica to remove the criminal charges on Jamaica’s books against the National Heroes, before seeking to have the same done by foreign countries.

Today, the Culture Minister says Cabinet approved the tabling of the bill “The national heroes and other freedom fighters (absolution from criminal liability in respect of specified events) act”, in the houses of parliament.

The bill aims to absolve Sam Sharpe, George William Gordon, Paul Bogle and Marcus Garvey, as well as their supporters, sympathisers and participants by association, and other freedom fighters, from criminal liability arising from their participation in acts of liberation with moral justification.

Speaking in parliament this afternoon, Ms. Grange says the bill seeks to redress the wrongs of the past and set the captives free.

Meantime, Member of Parliament for Central Kingston Rev. Ronald Thwaites says the laying of the absolution bill just hours ahead of the launching of the centre for reparations research at the University of the West Indies later this evening, is significant.

And, Member of Parliament for North East St. Ann, Shahine Robinson, expressed pride in knowing that she can relay to residents of Garveys home parish that he is no longer listed as a criminal.

She adds that with Jamaica clearing the criminal records of the National Heroes, the country now has the moral authority to demand the same of the foreign countries.