Government Senator Christian Tavares-Finson has described Jimmy Cliff as a national icon whose message of positivity transcends music and will resonate with generations to come despite his recent passing.

Tavares-Finson made the remark as he paid tribute to the late musician in the Senate on Friday.

“Jimmy was more than a singer; he was a teacher. In Many Rivers to Cross, he taught us that suffering is real, but so is the strength to keep moving. In You Can Get It If You Really Want, he reminded every young person listening that perseverance will outrun privilege every time”, Tavares-Finson commented.

Tavares-Finson also hailed Jimmy Cliff’s contribution to the performing arts.

“In The Harder They Come, he showed us that even when the system is stacked against you, the human spirit can still write its own ending”, the senator told Parliament.

He commented that the various positive messages from Jimmy Cliff’s music will resonate for years to come.

“Though his voice has fallen silent at the age of 81, through his music important messages of humility, strength and conviction will remain as loud as ever. His music will play in our taxis and our sound systems, in our churches and our schools, in our homes and in our hearts for as long as Jamaica breathes.”

“The Government of Jamaica will accord Jimmy Cliff the full honours of an official national funeral. We will come together – from Montego Bay to Morant Bay, from the diaspora in Brooklyn, Birmingham, and Toronto – to give thanks for a life that lifted an entire nation. Details will be announced shortly, but let me say this clearly: every Jamaican who wishes to pay respects will have the opportunity to do so. This will be a celebration worthy of the man and the legacy he leaves behind,” he said.

Jimmy Cliff died on November 24.