FOR the past three years, Queens of Reggae Island Honorary Ceremonies (QORIHC) have rewarded women in the entertainment industry. Going into its fourth year, conceptualiser Laurell Nurse has no plans to stop.

She spoke with the Jamaica Observer at its official launch at R Hotel in New Kingston on Tuesday evening.

“So many women are overlooked and have contributed so much to the entertainment industry. The entertainment industry was selected because outside of Jamaica we are like mentors. Reggae music is bigger outside of Jamaica than inside and we don’t have anything that celebrates it like this. I chose women because women are synonymous with beauty and glamour and I want to showcase it that kind of elaborate way,” she said.

“The concept behind QORIHC is basically honouring women in the entertainment industry who are in front of the camera, as well as behind the camera,” Nurse continued.

The ceremony is scheduled for Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston on October 26. This year’s recipients are actress Leonie Forbes; broadcaster Elise Kelly; singer Judy Mowatt; dub poet Cherry Natural; music video director Scorpio21; businesswoman Kelly Upsetta; singer Ce’Cile; artiste manager Claudette Kemp; gospel singer Shirley Willis; social media influencer/blogger Lauren O Lauren; dancehall choreographer Keiva The Diva; model Stacy McKenzie; public relations practitioner/arts marketer Coleen Douglas; and, businesswoman Tina Matalon.

Nurse wants the public to understand that categories are multigenerational and across the entertainment sector.

“I have to constantly explain that it’s not just artistes. When someone like a chef gets honoured and people are like, ‘Where did that come from?’ I have to remind them it’s categories. The definition of the awards seems to still be a little bit of a challenge but it’s getting better,” she said.

“The honorees are selected based on impact and influence. Influence meaning it was because of them why someone wanted to do something. They saw them doing it and thought they could do it too,” Nurse added.

Despite the challenges of attracting corporate sponsorship and low public turnout, Nurse is confident the event is growing.

“Slowly, people are getting involved. Just like how everybody wants a ticket for the Grammy’s and everybody wants to go, dress up inna yuh clothes an’ come out an’ see these amazing women get honoured,” she said.

Part-proceeds from the QORIHC will assist nursing students complete their studies.

The launch saw performances from: Richie Stephens; Carl Dawkins; Monifa Goss, first runner-up in this year’s Digicel Rising Stars talent competition; and Alley Bless, first runner-up in this year’s Festival Song Contest.

Previous honourees include Dorothy Cunningham (actress); Olivia “Babsy” Grange (minister of entertainment and culture); Carlene “Dancehall Queen” Smith; broadcaster Dorraine Samuels; and model/singer/actress Grace Jones.