As promoter of the successful Heineken Startime series Michael Barnett honoured his heroes from the ska, rocksteady and roots-reggae eras. On February 23, it was his time to be lauded.

The broadcaster/musicologist, who operated the Miguel Models Agency for 22 years, was recognised by his protégés for nurturing their careers during ‘Honouring Michael Barnett: A Trip Down Memory Lane’.

The event was held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

Several ladies who got their start with Miguel Models recalled their association with Barnett, who started the company in 1986, four years after returning from the United States where he had lived for 15 years.

“It was a tremendously happy and overwhelming feeling. I was on cloud nine the entire night, and had to bite very hard into my lips to keep the tears of joy from coming openly many times. But the tears constantly came on the inside,” Barnett told the Jamaica Observer.

He said he was invited to a “post-birthday” function by former Miguel Model Marcellas James.

“I was totally unaware of the extent which they were going to with the function,” Barnett disclosed.

James and other Miguel Models alumni, including dancehall star D’Angel and Shakerea Lawla, were main organisers of ‘Honouring Michael Barnett’. Several of their colleagues who live in the United States also attended the event.

Surprise guests included Barnett’s sister, Taska Marie Brown, and his niece Antoinette Spencer, who are US residents.

There was a fashion segment featuring former Miguel Models and Dancehall Queen Carlene. This was followed by typical lively performance from singer Leroy Sibbles, one of the stars of Heineken Startime. He had attendees dancing and singing along to hits like Sea of Love, Book of Rules, and Party Time.

The evening closed with a seated Barnett, surrounded by his “daughters”, serenaded to Lulu’s To Sir With Love.

Also attending the show were Kenric Davis, former general manager of Oceana Hotel, where Heineken Startime started; Howard Armstrong, general manager of Aerotel, owners of Kool 97 FM, where Barnett hosts three weekly shows; and Rosamond Brown-Kirkland, Kool 97 FM’s station manager.