ST JAMES, Jamaica – For twin brothers Vinton and Dwayne Haughton, music is more than a profession; it’s a lifelong calling rooted in purpose, passion, and a commitment to service through the arts.

That unwavering dedication was recognised when they received the Mayor’s Special Spirit of Independence Award in the field of arts and culture, during the Independence Flag Raising and Civic Ceremony held on August 6 at Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St James.

The event was hosted by the St James Municipal Corporation, in collaboration with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), as part of Jamaica’s Emancipendence celebrations.

Described as household names in the music industry in St James, the brothers were honoured for their decades-long work in unearthing, nurturing, and exposing musical talent across the parish.

The brothers have used every platform available to train, mentor, and inspire individuals from institutions such as the Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, Jamaica Youth Orchestra and Young Jamaica Ensemble.

“This is selfless work that we do for our students, whether they’re in our classrooms or in our communities… and so I’m happy to be honoured on behalf of them,” Vinton said in an interview with JIS News.

“We have worked tirelessly, not only in schools but in communities, to ensure that our students are given equal opportunities to engage in musical activities everywhere,” he added.

Dwayne, who was previously a music teacher at Herbert Morrison Technical High and is now an immigration officer, has remained deeply connected to music alongside his professional role.

“My full-time job is not music, but I still contribute to that area through mentorship and by helping students, whether it’s performance or academics. Somebody was watching and they appreciate [our work],” he stated.

The brothers’ journey began in primary school when their mother, a teacher, enrolled them in piano lessons.

“She sent us to piano lessons to keep us out of trouble,” Dwayne recalled with a laugh, adding that “a few decades later, this is where we are”.

For Vinton, the influence of early mentors helped solidify his path.

“Professor Judy Grimes, Carl Matthews, and Viviene Deokoro were very instrumental in shaping my direction. They influenced everything I do now, and continue to,” he said.

Among their signature efforts is the annual Sons of the Season concert, which marked its 25th anniversary in 2023.

“We started at Sam Sharpe 25 years ago, and last year’s Christmas show was held at the Iberostar. It has become a staple event for Christmas in St James,” Vinton said.

The brothers have since launched the Western Jamaica Youth Orchestra, a project designed to give students across western Jamaica free access to instruments and musical instruction.

“There’s more than enough talent in the west to pull this off. Our goal is to build a 100-piece orchestra in Montego Bay by the end of 2025, and it’s all being done at no cost to the students, everything from the instruments to instruction is free,” Vinton explained.

Supported by the Sandals Foundation and Sweetwater Blossom Foundation, the initiative is already active in several high schools and is being developed into a full-scale regional orchestra.

Despite their different career paths, the brothers remain united in their mission. “Sometimes the work that we do doesn’t bear fruit immediately but you go on the road and you hear a student you taught, or they come back and say, ‘Sir, mi remember when you did teach me dis,’ and it makes everything worth it,” Vinton said.

– JIS