Thank you for the national honour

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I WOULD like to thank the Government and people of Jamaica, as well as the minister of culture, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, for the recognition bestowed on me by the granting of the Order of Distinction, in the rank of Officer (OD), for outstanding service to the Jamaican music industry.

It is a testament and truly a blessing to my origins with the famed Third World Band. And of equal importance, it acknowledges my work in the diaspora community through the cultural advocacy in music with children and exposing our Jamaican culture.

I would like to thank all those who contributed to this wonderful recognition. My new journey began in 1997 in the United Kingdom (UK), where I studied and graduated as a music facilitator. In 2000, I left the UK for Florida, where I began to work with at-risk youth establishing percussion and music programmes.

This lead me to developing the Rhythms of Africa programme in 2010 with the support of then Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths, now ambassador, and the continued support from the present consul general, Oliver Mair. Special thanks to Cheryl Wynter, staff at the consulate.

I must thank my amazing wife, Carol, and my family for their love and unwavering support.

GRATEFUL

I am grateful as the first Jamaican to win the 2010 John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Arts Challenge Grant. I was also a recipient of the Luminary Award of the Consulate General of Jamaica, Miami, at the awards event commemorating Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence. I would like to thank attorney, Marlon Hill, for his assistance in establishing our non-profit and Raymond and Stephanie Azan and June Minto for their continued guidance. Thanks to our Rhythms of Africa title sponsor, the Jamaica Tourist Board, and to all our community partners, with special mention to Meredith Porte, Barry Fishman, and Starr Porter.

Very special thanks to our board members and CEO of our Embrace Music Foundation, to the Rhythms of Africa team; our incredible technical and road crew members; and the students, grantors, donors, sponsors, supporters, friends, fans, and well-wishers. A big-up to Willie Stewart & Friends for the chance to perform, create, record, and share music.

My heartiest congratulations to my fellow honourees, including Mayor Hazel Rogers, Manley Augustus Buchanan (Big Youth), Keith Lyn, and others.

I am truly humbled and grateful and give God the glory to be awarded this prestigious honour. It is always a great feeling to be recognised by my country, the land I love. As a musician, I know the power and value of sharing our rich musical heritage, especially as Jamaica reflects so much of its culture through this art form. To be recognised for doing what I love is a true blessing. I’m proud to be a Jamaican, both home and abroad.

Thank you, Jamaica, the heartbeat of the world.

WILLIE STEWART