CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE MOST HON. P.J. PATTERSON ON, PC, QC, MP, PRIME MINISTER RE. DAMIAN ‘JUNIOR GONG’ MARLEY’S GRAMMY AWARDS

Prime Minister P.J. Patterson said he was pleased to learn of the outstanding achievement by Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley who yesterday won two awards at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards presentation held in Los Angeles, including the award for Best Reggae Album.
In a statement from Jamaica House on Thursday (Feb. 9), Mr. Patterson said the fact that the singer won the award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance ahead of artistes in the United States was a testimony of his remarkable talent as a recording artiste, as well as the consciousness of the messages portrayed in his music.
He said Damian Marley’s historic nomination outside of the reggae category once again confirmed that Jamaican music was enjoying worldwide acclaim and had made a significant impact on many cultures and people around the world. He said this accomplishment was evidence that reggae has and would continue to break down more barriers around the world.
Mr. Patterson said Damian Marley has made all Jamaicans proud both at home and in the Diaspora and wished the singer the very best in his recording career.