Kool 97 FM and Irie FM, two popular radio stations in Jamaica, recently corralled resources to rebuild infrastructure and aid in emergency relief for victims of Hurricane Melissa.
According to Kool radio host Rosamond Brown-Kirkland, “We all have to do our bit to help our neighbors.”
Throughout last week, the veteran personality tediously helped organize a daylong fundraiser she hoped would galvanize a movement to restore normalcy.
Throughout last week, the veteran personality tediously helped organize a daylong fundraiser she hoped would galvanize a movement to restore normalcy.
Along with radio deejays and personalities, the 24-year-old media outlet, which programs flight information, news, sports, and music, Kool FM hosted a charity event they promoted for Nov 29.
Brown-Kirkland described the ‘adopt a community project’ as an expeditious response to the disastrous storm.
Brown-Kirkland described the ‘adopt a community project’ as an expeditious response to the disastrous storm.
With pledged support from individuals and groups, the mantra culled volunteers who will serve as guardians to the affected victims of Hurricane Melissa.
Some of the celebrities committed to the project included Leroy Sibbles, Dean Fraser, General Degree, the Abyssinians, Gem Myers, and George Nooks.
To capitalize on expected maximum capacity crowds, the Kingston-based medium chose the midway area that bridges uptown and downtown, known as Half-Way-Tree.
And in the parish of St. Ann, the all-reggae Irie FM radio station reportedly delivered 1,500 care packages to residents of the parish who were victimized by Hurricane Melissa.
Implementing a “One, one cocoa relief” initiative, the station delivered food, water, clothes, toiletries and other essentials to households last Friday.
The collaboration with partnering agencies adhered to a local proverb which states “One, one cocoa full the basket.”
The phrase interpreted from patois means over time, “small consistent efforts lead to large accomplishments.”Jimmy Cliff reached pinnacle he aimed as youthJimmy Cliff was hailed, regaled, and celebrated here, where he regularly performed to sold-out audiences.
In addition to accolades from fans, the singer/musician/Hall of Famer/ambassador/trailblazer/role model/movie star/composer/arranger/national hero (et al) who changed his given name from Chambers to represent the lofty heights he aimed to occupy – received platitudes from the media.
The phrase interpreted from patois means over time, “small consistent efforts lead to large accomplishments.”Jimmy Cliff reached pinnacle he aimed as youthJimmy Cliff was hailed, regaled, and celebrated here, where he regularly performed to sold-out audiences.
In addition to accolades from fans, the singer/musician/Hall of Famer/ambassador/trailblazer/role model/movie star/composer/arranger/national hero (et al) who changed his given name from Chambers to represent the lofty heights he aimed to occupy – received platitudes from the media.
His obituary appeared on the front page of the New York Times.
And virtually every newspaper reported the transition on Nov. 24, 2025.
And virtually every newspaper reported the transition on Nov. 24, 2025.
“He embraced Africa long before most people,” Imhotep Gary Byrd, host of the Global Black Experience, said on WBAI-FM.
“Jimmy loved Africa, and Africa loved Jimmy,” Byrd said last Friday.
“Jimmy loved Africa, and Africa loved Jimmy,” Byrd said last Friday.
The veteran broadcaster devoted a segment of his three-hour program to playing “Many Rivers To Cross,” “Wonderful World Beautiful People,” “You Can Make It If You Really Try,” “The Harder They Come,” “Rebel in Me,” “We All Are One,” and “Rivers of Babylon.”
On the same program, this Insider provided nostalgic reflections of a 1980s sold-out Beacon Theater concert where the icon played the drums, sang, and danced to the adulation of SRO crowds.
The night seemed as if I had been privileged to witness a performance from the first Third World Superstar.
He won his first Grammy award that year for “Cliffhanger.”
Indeed, he was Jamaica’s first superstar achiever.
At a juncture in the program, I dedicated “Vietnam,” a song Cliff wrote in tribute to a friend he knew who served in the controversial war.
At a juncture in the program, I dedicated “Vietnam,” a song Cliff wrote in tribute to a friend he knew who served in the controversial war.
Allegedly, folk singer Bob Dylan described the tune as “the greatest protest song ever written.”
During a week when the oldest survivor of the Tulsa massacre transitioned at age 111, Cliff received more prominence when television’s CBS Sunday Morning opened the en memorium segment with his music and image.
During a week when the oldest survivor of the Tulsa massacre transitioned at age 111, Cliff received more prominence when television’s CBS Sunday Morning opened the en memorium segment with his music and image.
Hosted by Jane Pauley, the 90-minute, weekly, national informational program featured a delayed mention of Viola Fletcher (who died on the same day) to highlight Caribbean talent.
Displaying a gallery of photos showing images photographed at the pinnacle of his success, the popular broadcast spotlighted the iconic singer with a distinctive melody.
An audio salute of a rendition of “Many Rivers To Cross” engendered pride in the accomplishment of a national whose birthplace rewarded him with hero status and the Order of Merit.
Later in the evening, the government of the island announced that Cliff would be accorded an official state funeral.
Apparently, Cliff requested specific burial instructions that his family will adhere to.
Apparently, Cliff requested specific burial instructions that his family will adhere to.
He was internationally regarded as the first recording artist to introduce the reggae genre to global audiences.
From a reputation established by Cliff’s starring role in a film, where he portrayed a rebel named Ivan, Cliff’s five-song contribution to the soundtrack also propelled “The Harder They Come” to global status.
From a reputation established by Cliff’s starring role in a film, where he portrayed a rebel named Ivan, Cliff’s five-song contribution to the soundtrack also propelled “The Harder They Come” to global status.
In another film titled “Bongo Man,” narration by Lister Hewan-Lowe further enlightened audiences about the island and the nick-named bongo drummer.
Social media platforms also overwhelmed subscribers on the momentous Nov. 24, 2025, transition caused by respiratory complications from seizures and pneumonia.
Undoubtedly, Cliff will be missed but not soon forgotten.
He is being mourned by Latifa, wife and mother of three of his 13 children.
Cliff was 81 years old.Catch you on the Inside!
He is being mourned by Latifa, wife and mother of three of his 13 children.
Cliff was 81 years old.Catch you on the Inside!
