Minister Says Renaming of Street in Honour of Jimmy Cliff Long Overdue
By: , February 14, 2017The Key Point:
Photo: Garwin Davis
Reggae icon, Jimmy Cliff, listens attentively to the tributes at his IRIE FM Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony in Somerton, St. James, on February 12.The Facts
- Ms. Grange further noted that Mr. Cliff is a strong role model who has made an indelible mark on society through his music and acting career and has “been a source of inspiration to his home country, his race and his fans for decades.”
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Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, says the proposed renaming of Montego Bay’s famed Gloucester Avenue (Hip Strip) in honour of reggae legend, Jimmy Cliff, is befitting and long overdue.
In a message, read by Special Advisor to the Minister, Ali McNab, at the IRIE FM Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony in honour of the reggae singer in Somerton, St. James, on February 12, Minister Grange said “nobody is more deserving” of the honour than Mr. Cliff.
“As Minister with responsibility for Culture and Entertainment, I have been in discussion with Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, even prior to our Administration taking office, and prior to the change at the Parish Council level of Government, to have one of the main streets of Montego Bay named in honour of Jimmy Cliff,” the Minister noted.
“I am happy to learn that these discussions have been far advanced at the Parish Council level and that this will soon become a reality where we will honour this deserving patriot in that special and important way,” she added.
Ms. Grange further noted that Mr. Cliff is a strong role model who has made an indelible mark on society through his music and acting career and has “been a source of inspiration to his home country, his race and his fans for decades.”
The Minister said she has watched with tremendous pride over the years how Mr. Cliff has been able to transform the international landscape with his positive message of peace and love, describing his accomplishments as nothing short of phenomenal.
Mayor of Montego Bay, His Worship Homer Davis, confirmed that the Gloucester Avenue Hip Strip will be renamed after Mr. Cliff, and he does not expect any resistance to the suggestion.
“Jimmy Cliff is a popular son of St. James who has done so much for this country through his music. He has risen to international stardom and it is only fitting that we give him this recognition by renaming the city’s most popular entertainment strip after him,” he added.