Farewell Roy Shirley

The body of Roy Shirley was laid to rest at the popular Dovecot Memorial Park on September 2008. The popular Jamaican singer/songwriter passed away in England on July 17 after suffering a heart attack.

Dubbed `The High Priest` Roy, whose real name is Ainstworth Roy Ruston was born on July 18, 1944. He made his entry into the music business during the mid 1960s with his unique choking style of singing. In 1967 he smashed the charts with the Joe Gibbs produced rocksteady song called `Hold Them`

Roy last performed in Jamaica on the popular vintage series `Stars R Us` held at the Mas Camp Village, Kingston in 2006.

A small crowd turned out at the headquarters of the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAAVA) to pay their last respect their beloved entertainer. Unique Vision Band provided the music as the likes of Ken Boothe, Bunny Brown and Bagga Case paid their last respect in songs. Also in attendance were Boris Gardiner, Dudley Sibley, John Holt, Bongo Herman, Dwight Pinkney, Winston `Merritone` Blake, Derrick Harriott and others from the music fraternity. The government of Jamaica, through the Jamaica High Commission in London, assisted in the funeral arrangement. Interment took place at the Dovecot Memorial Park.

The Carol Gardens Incident: `Blowing The Lid`

During the Holy Week of April 1963 the relationship between the Jamaican security forces (police and soldiers) and the Rastafarian sect reached its lowing point, resulting in what became known as the `Carol Gardens Incident`. For years, both have been at odds as the Rastafarians were determine to make the statement that the `Babylon system` was a fraud and they would not accept living under it. This led to anti-social behavior being perpetrated by Rastafarians and the security forces responding, often times in a high- handed manner.

Both sides had have enough of each other and one Rastafarian, Rudolph Franklin, initiated a violent uprising in the hills of Carol Gardens, Montego Bay. At the end of the ordeal, some 8 persons were killed and several Ratafarians rounded up, beaten and jailed. Ratafarians, innocent and having nothing to do with the initial uprising were severely mistreated by the security forces with support from the citizens of the area. The event is remembered yearly by the Rastafarian community and their call for compensation and an apology from the state.

This documentary looks at the incident and highlights the testimony of some of the victims and survivors. To view and purchase dvd-http://www.reggaefilms.co.uk

Celebrating Dennis Brown

The lawns of the prestigious Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston came alive on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 as a star studded line up of artistes came out to to pay homage to the beloved Jamaican Superstar Dennis Brown. Staged annually by the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affliates (JAVAA), the large crowd was treated to some scintilating performances from the likes of Boris Gardiner, Ken Booth, Bob Andy, George Nooks, Derrick Harriott, Bunny Brown, John Holt and the man who had the crowd begging for more, Lincoln `Sugar` Minott



Supporting acts came from the likes of Charmaine Limonius, Carey Johnson, Mary Isaacs, Ras Mandito, Ras Manasseh, Sam Carty, Dwight Pinkney, Lloyd Parks along with the Tamlins, Suzanne Couch, Michael Pinnock and Bagga Case. Backing was solidly performed by the Unique Vision and the Fabulous Five Bands.

Sugar Minott connected well with the audience and M.C., Mutabaruka warmed to their request and called back the exciting entertainer who gleefully obliged the fans. Started off in a soulful mood, he had the fans singing along to `I want To Make It With You` after which he swung into `Mr. DC`with the fans singing to the chorus in `mass choir style`. `Buy Out The Bar` followed after which he made way for the `Preacher` Derrick Harriott. `The Chariot`, as he popularly known took the audience on a stroll down memory lane with songs such as `Walk The Street`, `Solomon`, `Stop That Train` and `Penny For Your Song`.

Bob Andy kept the good vibes going with hits from his repetoire, the likes of `I 've Got To Go Back Home` and `For You`. Ken Boothe started off with `What About The Half` followed by his famous `Seven In One Medley` and closed out with `Everything I Own`.


George Nooks hit the stage running with `Money In My Pocket` the Dennis Brown mega hit song, on which Nooks deejayed during the mid 1970s. `Forty Leg` brought a loud cheer from the crowd after which he held church service with `God Is Standing By`. John Holt was given the task of closing the show and in true work-man-like style he brought the event to a fitting finale. Boris Gardiner also got a rousing reception from the crowd when he performed songs such as `It's So Nice To Be With You` and `I Want To Wake Up With You`. The emceeing was also perfomed by Patrick Lafayette and Junior Sinclair.