MONTEGO BAY, St James — While Montego Bay’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Melissa will mean a scaled-down response to the death of music legend and son of the soil, Jimmy Cliff, who died Monday, the city’s Mayor Richard Vernon has promised that he will receive the accolades he so fittingly deserves.

“When all this is done and we are in a better place, we will look at how best to honour the great man for his contribution to St James and Jamaica,” Vernon told the Jamaica Observer Monday afternoon.

The city has long recognised Jimmy Cliff’s value, renaming the Hip Strip in his honour in 2019. Now, according to the mayor, it will explore how to further immortalise the man who rose to international prominence as a musician and actor.

“We will think about it some more and talk with some stakeholders,” Vernon said.

He offered condolence to the family of the man who grew up mere miles from the city’s centre.

“I offer profound sympathies to his family members, especially his wife Latifa, his countless fans worldwide, and the citizens of his beloved Somerton community,” said Vernon.

Jimmy Cliff, who was born James Chambers, died after what his family said were complications from pneumonia. Reacting to the news in a press release, Vernon described his death as “a profound loss to the entertainment world”.

His world-renowned hit songs such as Many Rivers to Cross, The Harder They Come and You Can Get It If You Really Want will continue to inspire generations, decades after their release,” he said.

“The voice of this icon will never be silenced, and his legacy, music, memories and the bonds he shared with Jamaica and the world will live on,” the mayor continued.

President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce Jason Russell was equally effusive in his praise for Jimmy Cliff. He spoke of the role he played, as a globally recognised superstar, in boosting the country’s tourism sector. Russell also has memories of the musical giant performing, in his heyday, at events such as Reggae Sumfest, interacting with his father Robert Russell, who was a key figure in staging the music festival.

“He’s an icon and he will be sadly missed. His mark on Montego Bay is immense. We named a road after him, that shows you the impact of the man,” the chamber president declared.

“His impact is not just felt in Montego Bay but worldwide,” he added.