A new lifesize statue of Bob Marley was unveiled to mark the end of a weekend (07-08Feb15) of activities held in Jamaica to celebrate what would have been the reggae legend's 70th birthday.

The statue of Marley dancing and singing while holding a guitar was unveiled on Sunday (08Feb15) in Trench Town, where the musician and his family moved to when he was 12 years old.

It was installed as part of a multi-million dollar renovation to the area's Culture Yard, and Minister of Tourism of Entertainment Dr. Wykeham MCNeill hopes the structure will boost visitor numbers to the town and inspire youngsters to pursue their dreams.

He says, "(Marley's) gift to Jamaica is incalculable. His achievements, and those of his fellow artistes who have followed in his footsteps, have put our country on the map as the Mecca of popular music. Today the tourism sector continues to attract hundreds of visitors who come to see the country that produced Bob Marley.

"This new statue will doubtless attract even more visitors to our shores and to Trench Town in particular. Of equal importance is the fact that its presence will serve to inspire the youths in his old neighbourhood. It will encourage them to believe in themselves and understand that they can achieve success despite perceived disadvantages."

The ceremony rounded out a number of parties held over the weekend to celebrate what would have been Marley's 70th birthday on 6 February (15). His son Damian Marley headlined a free show in Kingston with brothers Julian and Ky-Mani while informal jam sessions took place in the Bob Marley Museum.

Marley died from cancer in 1981, aged 36.