St James moves to honour Jimmy Cliff with statue

The St James Municipal Corporation has passed a resolution to erect a statue of late reggae icon James "Jimmy Cliff" Chambers at the entrance to Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in Montego Bay.

The resolution, which will be sent to the Ministry of Culture for review, was presented and unanimously approved by councillors at a recent meeting.

The move comes two months after Government Senator Charles Sinclair called for Jimmy Cliff's home in Somerton, St James, to be transformed into a museum and for a statue to be erected along Jimmy Cliff Boulevard.

In presenting the resolution, Councillor Damion Brown of the Montego Bay West Division referenced previous efforts to recognise the reggae legend's impact on the parish, including the March 2019 renaming of Gloucester Avenue to Jimmy Cliff Boulevard.

"Whereas Jimmy Cliff has, in his chosen vocation, achieved local, regional, and international acclaim and has contributed to the recognition and development of Brand Jamaica, and has done so in a manner which has been inspirational and dignified ... be it resolved that this honourable council collaborate with the honourable Minister of Sport, Entertainment, and Gender to commission and erect a statue at a suitable location at the entrance to Jimmy Cliff Boulevard," Brown said.

"Be it further resolved that this council, in collaboration with the family of Jimmy Cliff, establish a museum in his honour at an appropriate location in the parish of St James. Be it further resolved that the resolution be sent to the honourable Minister of Culture and to the municipal corporations for action and support," he added.

- CANA

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