Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports Olivia “Babsy” Grange is pleased that entertainment icons Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Nadine Sutherland and Admiral Bailey will be among the 150 honourees at the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards on Monday. Each will be presented with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for their contribution to the development of Jamaican music.

Speaking to Observer Online on Sunday afternoon, Grange noted that the musical legends have all earned their stripes.

“This year’s honouring of Jamaican musical icons Bounty Killer and Beenie Man, songbird Nadine Sutherland who has grown from a child star to now being one of the Queens of Reggae, as well as pioneer, veteran dancehall artiste Admiral Bailey at the National Awards Ceremony of Investiture, fills me with pride. The government’s recognition of our artistes who have, through their creative genius, contributed to the growth of reggae music, dancehall and other genres of Jamaican music, by extension, Brand Jamaica must be commended,” she said.

In addition, Grange said that she has watched each of the honourees blossom over the years, and has played her part in giving them recognition, prior to this national accolade.

“I had previously recognised Beenie and Bounty with the Reggae Gold Award in 2019 and also at this year’s annual Grand Gala for their contribution to Jamaican music. We all recall that both of them kept the world entertained through the Versus platform during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, their appearance on Versus recorded the most streams by any artiste,” she said.

Added Grange: “Nadine Sutherland, a former child star who has enjoyed the love of the Jamaican people over the years is now a valued member of my Entertainment Advisory Board due to her wealth of knowledge of the entertainment sector and her expertise as artiste, writer and music academic. Of course, Admiral Bailey as a pioneer and veteran artiste, must be recognised for paving the way for many who now stand on his shoulders in the growth of dancehall. I congratulate them on their awards and wish them the very best in their future endeavors. Me proud a dem.”

Monday’s ceremony was moved from King’s House due to the inclement weather, according to the Office of the Governor-General, and will now be held at the National Indoor Sports Centre.