THE American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) will this year honour international recording artiste Shaggy at its South Florida Peacock Soiree on April 9.

The diamond-selling, Grammy Award-winning reggae performer, whose real name is Orville Burrell, will be recognised for his philanthropic work at the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston, Jamaica. According to the AFJ, Shaggy has always lived on the premise that to whom much is given, much is required.

The organisation further noted that what began as donations of medical equipment and visits to the Bustamante Hospital for Children to distribute gifts during the holidays, paint rooms, donate beds and the creation of a garden gave birth to the Shaggy Foundation.

AFJ's chairperson Ambassador Sue Cobb commented, "Shaggy is the essence of the charitable spirit we celebrate in our continued support of the Jamaican society and its people. The Peacock Soiree is a celebration of this spirit for all to enjoy while raising funds for good causes."

In citing other reasons behind its decision to honour Shaggy, the AFJ said that the Shaggy Foundation — which was developed in 2008 by Shaggy — recruited business associates, fellow recording artistes and sponsors to assist in hosting an annual charity event in which all proceeds are donated to the hospital to help defray the cost of medical equipment.

The AFJ added that the ceremony will take place amidst the tropical elegance of Miami's Jungle Island with cocktails, dinner and dancing well into the night. The Peacock Soiree promises to be spectacular, chic and fun attracting dignitaries, sport stars and business professionals alike.

Founded in 1982, the American Friends of Jamaica is a charitable organisation built on the principles of service and philanthropy and was established to render assistance in the areas of education, health care, and economic development.

The AFJ works with a broad coalition of Jamaican organisations and stakeholders to bring about change in the lives of Jamaicans in need. Among their other initiatives is the drive to provide shelter to the homeless, or to send inner-city youth to camps where they learn life skills.

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