WESTERN BUREAU:

Promoter, manager and booking agent Copeland Forbes, feels that if Jamaica capitalises on  reggae music, the country will not need to borrow from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Forbes, who has had over 50 years experience in the music industry, argued that the rest of the world was copying Jamaica and its music. “What we need to see happen is more money being put into the music,” he said, speaking at the inaugural Reggae Sumfest Inspire Award at the Iberostar Suites on Thursday night, after being inducted into the festival’s Hall of Fame.

Forbes in his acceptance speech, said he was inspired by the award, and honoured to be in the company of other inductees such as Chris Blackwell and Bob Andy.

Forbes was adamant that Jamaica needs the music, which has the ability to bring it wealth.

Other awardees for the night included: Beenie Man, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, Journalist Pat Meschino, On Stage’s Winford Williams,  Jamar ‘Chronixx’ McNaughton, and lovers rock musician Beres Hammond.

Janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com [3]