Culture's train bound to glory - PM
By Basil Walters Sunday Observer staff reporter
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller yesterday promised to live up to the expectations of late reggae stalwart Joseph 'Culture' Hill, who some years ago in an interview on one of his overseas tours predicted that Jamaica would have a woman prime minister.
"I am humbled by even the thought that I've been called to that service affording the opportunity to the first of such women," said Simpson Miller at a celebratory service for the life and work of the reggae icon who died suddenly on August 19, while on a tour of Germany.
The service, which was held at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church, 12 Slipe Road, Kingston, was largely attended by members of the Rastafari community and the entertainment fraternity.
Among the mourners were Desmond Young, the president of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians; Wykeham McNeil, the junior minister in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; and Senator Dwight Nelson, the Opposition spokesman on culture who read the third lesson.
"I am pleased that you (Joseph) lived to see your desire come to pass, to see your word come to pass," the prime minister said to rousing applause. "Rest assured, Joseph... I'll do all that is in my powers to live up to your expectations," she added to shouts of hallelujah and more cheers. "Your message of liberation will remain in our heads, your sweet harmony will linger in our hearts. Joseph, your train is bound for glory, rest well..."
She received a standing ovation.
Simpson Miller was preceded by Dennis Wright, who headed the Planning Committee for the farewell events celebrating the life of Culture. Wright called for a commission to recognise the works entertainers do in the promotion of Jamaica.
"The best advertising we could ever get is through our artistes touring the world and selling our music and culture," Wright said, adding, "we need the Government and the private sector to show more respect to our artistes, musicians and people in the field of entertainment."
Ras Astor Black from the Jamaica Alliance Movement evoked a measure of Rastafarianism into the proceedings by inviting all Rastafarians to stand as he reminded the congregation that Hill's Culture was to give praise to the late Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie.
A tribute from the singer's family was read by his sister Erica Hill-Myers who remembered her brother as a kind, loving, hardworking and spiritual man who was supported by a strong woman, his widow Pauline.
Veteran broadcaster Neville Willoughby gave a tribute from the media and highlighted the positive message in Culture's music. The head of Ras Records, Gary Himelfarb, said that Joseph Hill saw life from a unique perspective and shared his vision with the world.
There were musical items from Dean Fraser, Lloyd Parkes, and the Bethel Mass Choir.
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