Key industry players to receive national honours in October
Published:Thursday | August 13, 2015 | 4:17 PMShereita Grizzle
More than 150 Jamaicans are to receive national honours during the 2015 National Honours and Awards ceremony to be held at King's House in October. Among the list of honourees are several persons from the creative industries who will be awarded for their contributions to the development of music and the arts.
Ronald 'Ronnie' Stafford Burke, one of the co-founders of one of Jamaica's biggest reggae festivals, Reggae Sunsplash, is to receive the Order of Distinction in the rank of officer for his invaluable promotions in the Jamaican Music Industry, particularly Reggae Sunsplash. The honour comes some three decades after the festival was first held.
Composer and keyboard player Harold Clarke Butler, Winston George Holness; music producers Winston 'Niney' Holness and Donovan Germain; Nyahbinghi drummer Ras Michael and Patricia Ann Gordon Gooden are also to receive the OD officer class for their significant contribution to Jamaican music and the development of the careers of various artistes.
Marjorie Whylie is to receive the OD in the rank of commander for her outstanding contribution to the arts, especially music and theatre. MP Olivia 'Babsy' Grange is also being awarded the OD commander class for her contribution to the Jamaican music industry, cultural development and public service, while Carlton 'Jackie' Guy will be honoured for his invaluable contribution to the arts.
The list of awardees was announced by the Jamaica Information Service on Independence Day, Thursday, August 6.