GUITARIST Stephen “Cat” Coore, co-founder of Third World band, is expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love he is receiving from fans and well-wishers since his hospitalisation.

The musician is recuperating at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in St Andrew after undergoing oesophageal surgery for excessive vomiting last week. He was admitted to that institution two Sundays ago after being transferred from Andrews Memorial Hospital.

“Thank you all so much for your wonderful blessings. It has truly been a human task to get through this thus far, but I thank Jah for strength, real strength. You wouldn’t know what it’s like to just step out of the hospital bed..thank you so much for not only showing who made me but really showing how much you love as well,” Coore wrote on social media.

He also lauded the UHWI medical staff.

“I am making good progress and in [the] wonderful hands of our doctors and nurses,” he said.

Coore, 65, was one of the early members of Inner Circle before leaving to start Third World with keyboardist Ibo Cooper in 1973.

The band toured the United Kingdom with Bob Marley and The Wailers in 1975. One year later their self-titled album was released by Island Records.

They are best known for 96 Degrees In The Shade, Try Jah Love, Now That We Found Love, and Sense Of Purpose.

Coore and bass guitarist Richie Daley are the survivors from Third World’s classic line-up from the 1970s and 1980s.

Their previous album, More Work To Be Done, was nominated for a 2020 Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category.