The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has passed a resolution to award gospel icon Priscilla Marie Love, more popularly known as Cece Winans, the key to the city of Kingston, honouring her decades of musical and spiritual influence on Jamaicans alongside her humanitarian work.

Councillor Waynette Strachan-Nelson, representing the Hagley Park Division, who was the mover of the resolution, praised the award winning gospel artiste as a “spiritual force”, noting that her music has deeply resonated with Jamaicans.

“Cece is not just a celebrated artiste, she is a spiritual force, a humanitarian, a cultural icon whose work has touched hearts across the globe, and especially here in Jamaica. Her voice has travelled across borders and generations, but has always found a home in this our nation… We have not merely listened to her music, we have leaned on it and lifted it in our most intimate moments,” she said.

She acknowledge that Winans, who is the most awarded female gospel artiste of all time with 15 Grammy Awards and over 17 million records sold worldwide, has seen her songs become anthems in Jamaica.

She said tracks like Goodness of God have transcended Sunday worship to become part of the nation’s cultural fabric.

“It has become an anthem for Jamaicans, I believe, from Sunday morning worship to bustling taxi and bus routes, from the stillness of hospital doors to our street corners downtown, to our market and, you know, in the season, it has also become a staple on our political platforms when we’re ready to invite the presence of God,” she said.

She also highlighted how Winans’ music has bridged divides in Jamaican society.

“Cece Winans has done what few can do: She has crossed denominational lines, bridged social divides, and unified us in worship. Even when we are weary, her music not just speaks to us, but it speaks to us in the language of spirit, survival and praise,” said Strachan-Nelson.

She also emphasised that the resolution was not just about Winans’ musical achievements but also her humanitarian contributions by noting her philanthropic efforts.

“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was silent and suffering, Cece lent her voice to a global campaign that raised funds for struggling families in over seven countries. Her influence is not confined to stage or screenings. It enters schools, shelters, and slums, often without a camera in sight,” she said.

Cece Winans will be hosting the Jamaica leg of her More Than This World tour on August 1 on the East Lawns of King’s House with five organisations set to benefit from funds raised.

“The Ophthalmology Department of the Bustamante Children’s Hospital will be equipped to restore eyesight for our younger citizens. The Yadel Home for Children in Old Harbour will receive support, expand shelter and services for our vulnerable girls,” she announced.

Other beneficiaries include the Open Door Jamaica Foundation for children with disabilities, the Governor General’s I Believe Initiative for youth leadership, and the Students’ Christian Fellowship and Scripture Union supporting over 220 Bible clubs in secondary schools and university campuses.

“In one night, Cece will be a blessing to thousands across Jamaica, from the blind to the broken, from the child in need to the student in purpose…Cece Winans has already opened doors for others, and I think it’s fitting that we open the doors of the city of Kingston by conferring her with the keys to the city,” she said.