KINGSTON, Jamaica — Government Senator Charles Sinclair has suggested that a statue be erected in St James in honour of the late great international recording musician, Jimmy Cliff.

Senator Sinclair made the suggestion during a sitting of the Upper House of Parliament on Friday as tributes were being paid to Cliff.

“In moving forward, I am advocating that a statue in his honour be placed at the entrance to Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, which is also the entrance to Harmony Park. I will also take the opportunity to propose that our honourable minister, in partnership with the family of this great icon, examine the feasibility of making his home at Somerton a museum which will stand as a lasting memory of his life and work,” Sinclair said.

Sinclair is a former mayor of Montego Bay and the councillor for the Flanker Division in St James North West.

He told Parliament that care should be taken to ensure that the work of Jimmy Cliff has a lasting impact.

“His legacy must not be forgotten. The inspiration to all of us through his songs, Many Rivers to Cross, The Harder They Come, You Can Get It If You Really Want, Born To Win, The Rebel in Me should forever ring in the ear of each and every Jamaican encouraging us never to give up, overcome every struggle and achieve greatness. That was the message one could take away from his music. In Jimmy Cliff’s own words I quote, ‘I want to know that you feel empowered to get up and do something about your life and make your life better.”

Senator Sinclair reasoned that as one of Jamaica’s global superstars, Cliff would have contributed to the island carrying the description, “We little but we tallawah”.

“His journey through life is one which should be recognised and adopted by every youth. It gave life to the phrase, ‘Every ghetto youth is (and can be) a star,” Sinclair concluded.