OCHO RIOS, St Ann — For the first time, several actors and actresses were awarded for their contributions to Jamaica’s roots theatre industry on Saturday, August 20.

Seventeen awardees were recognised for their decades-long work during the inaugural staging of the Jamaica Roots Theatre Awards held at the Hibiscus Lodge in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

Among those honoured were Andrea “Delcita” Wright, Orville Hall, Luke Ellington, Lacell “Mr Handsome/Girlie” Parnell, veteran radio host Bob Clarke, Garfield “Bad Boy Trevor” Reid, Juliet “Dell” Shank, and Maxwell “Bashy” Grant.

Grant — who has starred in plays such as Bashment Granny and Man fi Get Bun — served the theatre industry for more than 50 years rand eceived the evening’s highest honour, a Lifetime Achievement Award.

He, like the others, expressed gratitude for the recognition.

Actress Andrea “Delcita” Wright — known for plays such as Wifey Run Tings and Di Driva — expressed gratitude to the organising team, spearheaded by playwright Everton Dawkins.

“I have never, ever, ever won an award; and I always say ‘What it is that they expect?’ ” she related, noting that roots theatre does not get the recognition it deserves and that the event was long in coming.

Organiser Everton Dawkins agreed that the award ceremony was long overdue and, as a such, the Jamaica Roots Theatre Awards had to become a reality.

“We wanted it to be a Jamaica 60 event. We wrote to the ministry but have heard nothing, so we did it on our own. It is time to honour our own people,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The Jamaica Roots Theatre Awards is expected to be an annual event, and next year’s staging is already being planned.

Meantime, Opposition spokesperson on culture Denise Daley, who brought greetings, lauded the actors and actresses for their contribution to Jamaica’s culture.

She urged the organisers to copyright the event and not allow others to claim credit for it.

“Because there are others after this who may want to take it and own it, so I am begging to make sure you copyright so that no one will be able to take it and own it.” Daley cautioned.

Kenny Salmon, head of the School of Performing Arts, delivered the main address and lauded the organisers and awardees.

Roots theatre stalwarts who passed away, including playwright Paul Obeale, were also recognised during the ceremony which was hosted by Myesha Broadie and comedian Lemon.