Nobody can reasonably deny that this Bruce Golding-led government is not only cognisant of the importance of reggae music to the country, but is also willing to play a vital role in ensuring that Jamaica and Jamaicans benefit from this music that we have given the world. The proclamation earlier this year of February as Reggae Month - albeit there were those who said it was more like Marley Month - was a significant milestone in the history of reggae music and a turning point in the right direction.

We read with interest recent statements made by Prime Minister Bruce Golding on his visit to London while addressing a group of journalists. He noted that "the time has come for a comprehensive marketing plan for reggae music". The PM was responding to questions posed about the image of the music internationally, specifically as it related to the whole issue of homophobia. According to a Jamaica House release, Mr Golding said, "I think we have left ourselves exposed for a while, to the extent that our music has never been promoted and marketed in the way that tourism is. For example, whenever there is negativity in the marketplace that affects tourism, we have a strategy to address that. Reggae music is too important for us to allow it to become victim of the actions of the minority of artistes who have allowed their own passions to overflow to the extent that they could damage an entire industry.

"Why should we allow a Luciano or Beres Hammond to suffer and end up with their shows being affected because some artiste was here a week before who went on stage and said something he shouldn't have? We have to do some work to protect and preserve reggae as a medium and a genuine indigenous expression of Jamaican culture." Well said, Mr Prime Minister.

Sugar Minott's New Day

Veteran singer and performer Lincoln 'Sugar' Minott, or 'Mr Lincoln' to the younger generation, has been lighting up the local stages since the start of the year with some great performances. The singer, who is also respected as a producer, through his Youth Promotions, has played an important role in the careers of artistes such as Tenor Saw, Nitty Gritty, Junior Reid, Yami Bolo, Colourman, Daddy Freddy and Garnett Silk, who recorded his first song there.

It has been five years since Minott released his last album, Leave Out A Babylon, and he is ready now with a set aptly titled New Day, which is due out on July 21. It features deejays Josey Wales and Ranking Trevor, guitarist Dwight Pinkney, Peter's son Andrew Tosh, Bongo Herman and Scully on percussions along with Sly Dunbar on drums.

Jamaican Folk Singers concert season September 6-14

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Summer ends with Summer's Cool this Saturday