International reggae singer JimmyCliff (left) sings to an appreciativeaudience at last week's renamingceremony. (Photos: Alan Lewin)
April 3, 2019
Do you agree with the renaming Gloucester Avenue to Jimmy Cliff Boulevard?
Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay’s famous ‘Hip Strip’, was last week renamed in honour of reggae singer Jimmy Cliff, whose given name is James Chambers, at a ceremony at the Old Hospital Park in the resort city. TJust over a year ago, Mayor of Montego Bay Homer Davis had presented Cliff with the keys to the city.
Earlier this week, Jamaica Observer West photographer Alan Lewis roved the streets of Montego Bay and asked: “Do you agree with the renaming of Gloucester Avenue to Jimmy Cliff Boulevard?”
Here are some of the responses:
ALFRED BARNES, tilerYes. It is a good idea toname the avenue in hishonour. He deserves it.I respect that. I workedin the movie The HarderThey Come, I was theone who was carryingthe projectors to film theshow, so I am glad.
AUDRINE SAMUELS, hairdresserThat boulevard willattract tourists. Heshould also get astatue so that thetourists can come andtake photos. He hasdone a lot for reggaemusic internationally.
LLOYD REID, electricianIt’s a very good gesture,and as a Montego Bayborn who took reggaemusic to the world, hesurely deserves thehonour. I appreciate it, andnow need a statue of him.
SHARON KITSON, self-employedIt’s a goodmove. He is ourbrother. Theyshould put [up]a statue like BobMarley. I like hissongs.
LORENZO SAMUELS, freelancerIt’s a good thing.He deserves it.It’s a good wayof recognising hismusical contributionto our culture. I lovethe move by therelevant authorities.
OMEGA RICHARDS, cosmetologistWell, I don’t carewhat they want toname GloucesterAvenue as his songsare nice. Somepeople also getstreets named intheir honour and theydon’t deserve it.
FRANKLIN BROOKS, businessmanIt’s a very goodmove by theauthorities. I likehow they gave thehonours to him whilehe is alive. He isfrom Somerton, StJames, just as mygrandmother.
