Jamaica to set up fund to assist down and out artistes

(Jamaica Gleaner) Culture Minister, Olivia Grange, has announced that the Government will establish a fund to assist Jamaican artistes who have fallen on hard times.

Miss Grange was speaking in Kingston on Saturday night at an awards ceremony of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, JaRIA. The event was part of activities to mark reggae month. Miss Grange says the fundwill be monitored by her Ministry, JaRIA and JAMPRO.

Power 106FM’s Winston Williams was among the award recipients last night. Mr Williams was recognised for outstanding contribution to the music industry through radio broadcasting.

Kilamanjaro and Meritone Music received awards in the category, sound systems; Michael Riley and Dennis Thompson for engineering; Edna Manley College lecturer, Ibo Cooper for mentorship; and, Clive Hunte; Steely and Cleavie as producers.

In the musician category, Val Douglas and Dwight Pinkney were awarded; for group vocals, Duo/Paragons was honoured; and for lifetime achievement – Lloyd Parkes. Posthumous awards were presented in memory of Delroy Wilson and Phyillis Dillon while the band Fab 5 was awarded for its contribution to the music industry for the past 40 years.

Artistes Juddy Mowatt and Ken Boothe were also awarded.