Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for the recent recognition of notable figures in our entertainment and cultural landscape, particularly the conferring of the Order of Distinction (Officer) on Rodney Price, widely known as Bounty Killer; Moses Davis, affectionately called Beenie Man; Glendon Bailey, known as Admiral Bailey; and the talented Nadine Sutherland. The recognition is not only well deserved but also timely, as it highlights the profound impact these artistes have had on dancehall music and Jamaican culture as a whole.

In addition to these stalwarts, I would like to acknowledge other luminaries such as the legendary actress Audrey Reid; Dr Curtis Watson, for his invaluable contributions to the creative arts; David St Michael Brown. for his dedicated service to culture; and Marjorie Leyden Kirton and Slean Wilson Johnson for their commitment to the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

The honours bestowed upon Bounty Killer and Beenie Man are particularly noteworthy and long overdue. These two artists have been pillars of dancehall music since the early 1990s, shaping the genre and influencing countless others. Bounty Killer, a platinum-selling artiste, has left an indelible mark on the global music scene. His remarkable performances at major events, including the Super Bowl, and his Grammy-winning accomplishments, underscore his prowess and versatility as an artiste.

Importantly, Bounty Killer has been instrumental in introducing and nurturing top dancehall talent, including Baby Cham, Scare Dem Crew, Elephant Man, Wayne Marshall, Vybz Kartel, and Mavado, among others. His formation of the Alliance in the 2000s, which brought together a powerhouse of dancehall acts, is a testament to his vision and leadership in the industry.

Equally deserving of recognition is Beenie Man, who burst onto the scene as a pre-teen prodigy and ascended to the heights of dancehall superstardom, earning the title “King of the Dancehall”. With chart-topping hits like Feel It Boy, Dude, and King of the Dancehall, Beenie Man has made an undeniable impact on the music industry, earning multiple accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album and several MOBO (Music of Black Origin) awards. His successful tours across North America, Europe, and Africa have further solidified his status as a global ambassador for reggae and dancehall music.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Opposition Leader Mark Golding for his role in submitting the application for the recognition of Bounty Killer and Beenie Man. As chairman of the People’s National Party (PNP) Cultural and Heritage Commission, I am committed to ensuring that we continue to recognise and honour the contributions of stalwarts in our culture and entertainment sectors. Moving forward, we will actively submit applications for deserving individuals such as Dave “CD” Kelly, Capleton, Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, Sharon Burke, Osbourne “King Tubby” Ruddock, Cordell “Skatta” Burrell, Arif Cooper, Shaun “ZJ Chrome” Chablal, Professor Donna Hope, Isaiah Laing, Anthony Miller, Winford Williams, and Joseph Bogdanovich.

The PNP Cultural and Heritage Commission stands ready to recommend further ways to honour our cultural and entertainment heroes. It is vital that we acknowledge the significant contributions of these individuals, as they play an essential role in shaping the identity and heritage of Jamaica. Let us continue to celebrate and uplift our cultural icons.

Ibrahim Konteh

Chairman, PNP Cultural and Heritage Commission

ibrahimibkonteh@gmail.com