WE have entered the last month of 2009 and we have, in general, survived the year, albeit with little or no progress in our national economy. Some of us have barely survived the ravages of the world depression, and even as we cling to life, most of us know someone who has been killed in a violent act. Do we really have anything to be thankful for?

On Wednesday, December 2, I attended a Service of Thanksgiving for 25-year-old Rohan Andre Laird who, having been diagnosed with sickle disease at age five, finally ended his fight with this disease on November 17. Only a few hundred very important persons had the privilege of knowing this young and extraordinary young man.

Rohan was the son of a lady who was the housekeeper to Mikey Bennett and his family. His mom passed on three years ago, but for the last 15 years Rohan was a part of the Bennett family.

Rohan, with little formal education, took God’s gifts to higher levels as he became perhaps one of the best known audio technicians and live rehearsal engineers at Grafton Studios. This “little man” had a dedication to excellence and a work ethic which belied his small stature and youth. As a direct consequence, he endeared himself to the hierarchy of young and not-so-young musicians. His dedication and deportment must have influenced many of the highly trained and competent singers and musicians (many from the ranks of Edna Manley College), who honed their skills in the rehearsal rooms.

Rohan suffered, and never complained, as the genetic imperfection tormented his youthful frame. Always smiling, laughing at every joke, and admiring the many beautiful ladies whose presence graced the Grafton Studios. His last assignment was with the Big Band in Portland, after which he suffered setbacks which eventually claimed his young life.

He was never a front-liner, but he was the wind beneath many performers who have soared. He was well known to the inner circles of music, but unknown to the thousands who have benefited from his hard work. A young unsung hero who lived admired and died regretted.

But in his passing there are rays of hope for those who care to think deeply. Firstly, how could a young boy from the country be so loved by the musical fraternity – a musical fraternity that continues to be underestimated by the media when positive things happen, and who sectionalise the ugly underbelly of “Gaza and Gully”? Well, it goes to show that there is still a major segment of the industry that takes pride in itself and its level of professionalism.

Secondly, the appropriate tributes in music, song and verse were a testimony to the fact that decency is alive and well in the industry.

The ceremony was well coordinated by Irving “Allah” Lloyd of Chalice, and was supported by the words of wisdom of Steve Golding, also of Chalice, who lent a mature and thought-provoking offering to the people assembled. Their continued leadership in the industry makes the road joining values and vibrancy, creativity and youth into a sustainable environment.

Thirdly, there were the friends who performed, including Dean Fraser and Singers, Curfew, Jamaica School of Music, Roselyn Williams and Cherine Anderson, Jodi-Ann Pantry, Tashina McKenzie, Sherita Lewis, Nadine Sutherland, drummers Denver, Billy, Kirk and Chris, Word, and Patrick Watson. The performances were of world-class standard and even Kirk Franklyn would have been hard-pressed to produce such a show of excellence.

For my friends in the corporate world, the production of a television concert such as this one would earn the promoters millions of dollars from BET or other television and cable networks, and worthy of a primetime slot. The entire event was of world-class standards. This would attract investors interested in world-class earning potential, rather than the current trend of guns, sex, and violence in parochial arenas.

None of the performers would force the cancellation of tours due to discriminatory lyrics against particular groups’ sexual orientation, race, or religion. However, these are not the artistes whose talents are being sought constantly, although they have international appeal. Why do we continue to lionise those entertainers who sully our already degraded reputation – those deported from Costa Rica, banned in Cayman, Barbados, St Lucia, Guyana, etc? How much more can we lend to our own disrespect? We soon won’t be able to perform at or visit Lime Cay!

An industry led by persons such as Desi Young, Steve Golding, Irving Lloyd, Frankie Campbell, Grub Cooper, Ibo Cooper, Dean Fraser, and many others, is not credited with discipline. The philanthropy shown to so many by Mikey Bennett, and his generosity of spirit, will continue to bless his family, but will not make the headlines. Frankie Campbell’s work with the visually challenged has allowed for genius to emerge. He too will be blessed.

The narrow focus of the traditional private sector, buoyed by high interest rates, will continue to direct real investment away from the creative industries. Negotiators directed by politicians will continue to bargain for copyright issues. Well, CD sales are down, but tours and concerts are up, and performers need access to play to large audiences, in order to promote CDs, merchandise, Jamaican memorabilia and high-performance fees.

We are embarking on negotiating a successor agreement with Canada to replace CARIBCAN. Performing and creative arts promoters need access to promote their services and products.

There must be some reward for appropriate behaviour, and a removal of the mindset which paints us all as violent persons. Discrimination is not acceptable, and those of us who wish to observe the laws of foreign entry should not be treated as criminals. Respect should be due to the decent Jamaicans who wish to earn a living (internationally). This includes the USA, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Central and South America, Bermuda and Cayman.

As we approach a season where most religions celebrate an important event, we should be lifting our sights higher. We can give thanks, and hope for a brighter tomorrow. Reggae is generally accepted internationally as a combination of demanding human rights and love. It is a hard-earned reputation left as our legacy from those who went international. We should not allow it to be defaced by a few misguided persons with selfish motives. It is ours, so claim it.

But as “Allah Lloyd” said so eloquently, “For those of us given the talent for music, who will we answer to if we fail to use those gifts for the betterment of mankind?”