Shaggy to be honoured for philanthropic work
January 24, 2011The Full Story
MIAMI — International reggae artiste and philanthropist Orvile “Shaggy” Burrell, will be honoured by the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) at the group’s seventh annual gala in South Florida in April.
The event will be held on Saturday, April 9 at Jungle Island in Miami, where Shaggy will be presented with the 2011 International Humanitarian Award for his efforts in enhancing health care for children in Jamaica.
While he continues to enjoy a rewarding musical career, Shaggy has demonstrated commitment and dedication to the welfare of the children of his homeland, donating well-needed medical equipment to the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston through his ‘Shaggy Make A Difference’ foundation.
He has also participated in the refurbishing of areas of the compound and as paid regular visits to the facility, distributing gifts to the young patients.
To date, the Shaggy Foundation has been instrumental in raising more that US$1.5 million for the Bustamante Hospital.
The nearly 300-bed institution is the only paediatric hospital in the English-speaking Caribbean, which provides specialised services in preventive, curative, rehabilitative and ambulatory care. Established in 1964, Bustamante Hospital recently celebrated its 47th anniversary.
Since its inception in 1982 by former US Ambassadors to Jamaica, the AFJ, through its fundraising endeavours, has continued to support several national charitable and social initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Jamaicans in the areas of health, education and economic development.
Past honourees of the AFJ include: Founder of the Missionaries of the Poor, Father Richard HoLung; Phillip Gore of Gore Development and Tennis Jamaica; Tony Hart of Hart Investments; Entertainment mogul and Island Outpost founder, Chris Blackwell; Chairman of the Gleaner Company, Oliver Clarke; Founder of St. Patrick’s Foundation, Monsignor Richard Albert; philanthropist and businesswoman, Michele Rollins; Royal Caribbean Cruises; and Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS).
By CHERYL WYNTER, JIS Reporter