ELATED AT HONOUR
Theatre personality Michael “String Bean” Nicholson will be one of several Jamaicans receiving national honours at King’s House in St Andrew on Heroes’ Day, October 16.
However, it is not for his acting prowess. He will be recognised for his long and faithful service to the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).
Speaking with the Jamaica Observer yesterday, Nicholson — who is the JCDC’s event and commemoration coordinator — said he was extremely humbled and excited when he learned he would be given a Badge of Honour for his 27 years of service.
“I really didn’t expect this. Although I am in the theatre world, I have a 9-5 at the JCDC since 1990. I was at home getting ready to go the Grand Gala (on Sunday, August 6) when I got the news. I am elated in every way. I am very grateful that I have been recognised for the work that I have been putting in,” he told the Observer.
Formed in 1963, the JCDC is a burgeoning force for cultural Development on behalf of the Government. Its mandate is to encourage the annual Independence anniversary celebrations throughout the island, as well as to stimulate the development of local talents.
Nicholson is hopeful he will, one day, be lauded for his work on the stage.
“It would be nice for them to do that… Probably in the future I may be recognised for my acting,” said Nicholson, who graduated from Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts as a director.
Nicholson first appeared in Pantomime in 1984 and has remained relevant in the theatre world ever since. He made other stage appearances in Seefus Doolater, Oliver’s Posse, Bashment Granny 2, The Plummer, Ova Mi Dead Body, Adopted Child, The Politicians, and Scandal. He has also appeared in several comedy series such as The Blackburns, Oliver at Large, Sarge in Charge, and Me and Mi Kru. He has also appeared in the 2004 movie One Love alongside actors Ky-Mani Marley, Idris Elba and Cherine Anderson.
In 2000, he received an Actor Boy Award for his supporting role in Oliver’s Posse.
He had a word of advice for budding actors.
“If that’s your dream, go for it,” said Nicholson, who is currently working on a project slated to pay homage to late Jamaican stage personality Ranny Williams in November.
The full list of arts and entertainment recipients are: Bunny Wailer (Order of Merit); Robert Russell (Order of Distinction — Commander class); Prof Keith Morrison (Order of Distinction — Commander class); Carl Bradshaw (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Copeland Forbes (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Rosina Moder (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Carlos Malcolm (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Lloyd Stanbury (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Ferdinand “Bobby Little Bra” Gaynair (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Patrick Brown (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Maxine Walters (Order of Distinction — Officer rank); Joseph “Josey Wales” Sterling (Order of Distinction — Officer rank) and Clyde McKenzie (Order of Distinction — Officer rank).