A key figure in the development of South Florida’s live reggae scene, Winston Dias was lauded by colleagues on June 20, 2026, for his contribution during an event at Carib Island Restaurant in Lauderhill.

Fittingly, the show took place in that city, popularly known as “Jamaica Hill” because of its large Jamaican community.

Dias was presented with a citation and plaque from Broward County Commissioner Hazelle P Rogers and longtime friend, Audley Rollen.

“I have known Winston for almost 40 years, and I’ve observed his commitment to quality music and entertainment, and he’s been instrumental in the foundation and development of our music and entertainment here in South Florida,” Rollen told Observer Online.

“In all sincerity, I’ve seen so many getting honoured by politicians and organisations who are benefitting from the seeds that have been sown by stalwarts here in South Florida, while at the same time the stalwarts themselves are put on pause, and that’s why it’s important to honour Winston Dias.”

Rollen, along with Clovis Forde, organised last month’s show, which was attended by Dias’ wife Kathleen, son Otis, daughter Georgia and grandchildren.

Dias, who was born in Kingston, is a singer who enjoyed chart success in the early 1960s with Cericy Tea, a song produced by Prince Buster. He migrated to Canada late that decade and, for 10 years, was part of the Toronto reggae scene.

Moving to South Florida in the early 1980s, he operated Classic Restaurant and Lounge and Razor’s Palace, which hosted artistes such as Ken Boothe, Screwdriver, Tyrone Taylor, Sugar Minott, Delroy Wilson and The Melodians.

Dias was the proprietor of Classic, while Razor’s Palace was owned by Toronto-based Jamaican boxer Donovan “Razor” Ruddock, a heavyweight contender who fought Mike Tyson twice in the 1990s.

Dias was also a member of The Melodians and American soul group, The Drifters.