National Awards 2007

Twelve of Jamaica's musicians and entertainers were honoured by the government of Jamaica at the annual National Heroes Day Awards ceremony held at the National indoor Sport Center, on October 15, 2005. The threat of rain resulted in the event being shifted from the traditional Kings House lawn, location.

The award of the Order of Distinction (OD) in the rank of Commander (CD) and the Order of Distinction(CD) in the rank of Officer (OD) was bestowed on the following stalwarts:
Byron Aloysius Saint Elmo Lee, Clarence Linberg `Count Prince` Miller, Ewart `U-Roy` Beckford, Norman Fredrick Rae, Carlene Davis-Cowan, Winston `Burning Spear`Rodney, Johnny Arlington Moore, Theodore Miller, Jepther `Luciano` Washington McLymont, Orville Richard `Shaggy` Burrell, Clement Seymour `Sir Coxsone` Dodd and Arthur `Duke` Reid.
All those awarded were worthy of the honour and have served Jamaica well. In fact, many will argue the point that the recognition was long overdue.
With a new government in place and the Hon. Olivia `Babsy` Grange as Minister of Culture and Sports, quite a lot is expected for the entertainment industry. Minister Grange is a product of West Kingston and a former manager of artistes such as Shabba Ranks and Mad Cobra, and is very aware of the tremendous need to transform Jamaica's cultural heritage into a vibrant and economical industry for the benefit of all concerned. Other Stalwarts such as Lascelles Perkins, Stranger Cole, Lloyd Clarke, Roy Panton, Millie Small and Ivan Chin should be considered for the next awards presentation.
Colby Graham
Gleaner photos, from left to right: Minister Grange, Shaggy and G.G. Hall, Millie Small.