FORMER Prime Minister P J Patterson has congratulated Jamaican reggae and dancehall artiste Orville “Shaggy” Burrell on the recent conferment of the Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree by the prestigious Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, in the United States of America.

Patterson, the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Brown University in 1998, said Shaggy is most deserving of the accolade which has been extended to him in his capacities as a songwriter, entertainer, philanthropist, and former United States marine.

“The conferment is a reflection of the high esteem in which this authentic son of the Jamaican soil, who, through hard work, utmost creativity, diligence and discipline, has gone on to achieve international fame, is held by the academic community of the United States, his adopted country. His receipt of the honorary doctorate this year in the august company of other highly respected giants in their respective fields, including the speaker of the US House of Representatives, speaks volumes to Shaggy’s immense global stature,” Patterson said.

He added that Shaggy, in attaining global distinction, including as a two-time Grammy Award-winning reggae artiste, continues to bring honour to the country of his birth and keeps the Jamaican flag flying high, adding that the entertainer is a source of enormous pride for Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora.

“He has masterfully utilised the rich Jamaican culture and embraced other global musical genres to scale previously unknown heights of artistic excellence,” Patterson said.

“Beyond his musical and performing genius, Shaggy has remained true to his Jamaican roots and continues to play his part to improve the lives of vulnerable Jamaicans through the philanthropic work of the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation and the Shaggy and Friends Concert, which have provided stellar financial and other assistance to worthy causes, including the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

“We applaud Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell as a fine example of artistic and creative greatness, a true son of Jamaica and a real Jamaican cultural ambassador,” Patterson said.