KINGSTON, Jamaica — Beverley Kelso, the only surviving member of the original Wailers group with reggae icon Bob Marley, celebrated her 77th birthday on Monday at Culture Yard in Trench Town, St Andrew.

Among those who came out to celebrate with Kelso were Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange and Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding. Golding is also the Member of Parliament for St Andrew South where Trench Town is situated.

Kelso, who was recently inducted into the Reggae Hall of Fame, was presented with two special awards on Monday night. A portrait of her was unveiled during the celebrations, and it was announced that the portrait will remain at Culture Yard for all visitors to the reggae museum to see.

Grange said it was an honour and a great pleasure to celebrate with Kelso.

“Tonight is an honour and pleasure for me to be here at Culture Yard to unveil the portrait of Beverley Kelso, a foundation member of the Wailers. We celebrate her, and I just want to wish her many more birthdays. I wish you health and strength. Continue to have that beautiful smile,” the minister said.

“I want you to spend many more years with us. I want you to enjoy the rest of your life. If there is anything I can do, you let me know. Protocol does not allow me to say much, but there is more to come. It is my pleasure tonight to be part of the team that will unveil your mural. I want to thank Big Stone for taking care of Beverley and ensuring she gets her recognition,” the minister added.

For his part, Golding said, “We celebrate Beverley Kelso, one of the original five that founded the Wailers here in Trench Town. She sang over 20 songs with the Wailers, including seminal hits like Simmer Down. It is wonderful to be here with her. It is a nice evening. You can hear the nyabingi drummers drumming and building a vibe in the place. Everything is nice.”

Claude “Big Stone” Sinclair, who is Kelso’s manager, said she was well deserving of a special birthday as a living legend.

“I wish Beverley a prosperous life on her 77th birthday. As an original Wailer, she joined the group at age 14. Now, she is 77. Beverley was inducted in the Reggae Hall of Fame by the Honourable Minister Grange on February 28. She was presented with that award tonight on her birthday. Also, the organisers of the Simmer Down Festival in England made out an award in her honour last year. That award was presented to her by Mark Golding on her birthday. We love you Bev,” Sinclair said.

A very grateful Kelso had little to say, other than, “My birthday is very wonderful. I enjoy seeing each and every one who came out and took part in it. I am very happy.”

— Jason Cross