Prime Minister Andrew Holness led the nation in mourning on Wednesday. Thousands gathered in Kingston to pay their final respects to reggae legend Jimmy Cliff.
The organizers gave explicit instructions for the memorial: there were to be no long faces. Inside the gymnasium, the crowd honored that wish. They turned the event into a vibrant celebration of the 81-year-old star who passed away last month.
Culture Minister Olivia Grange noted that the atmosphere was by design.
“Jimmy didn’t want a sad or somber occasion,” she explained.
She emphasized that the event reflected a life dedicated to delivering music to the world.
A Messenger for the Nation
Prime Minister Holness delivered a stirring address. He characterized Cliff as more than just an entertainer. He described him as a cultural ambassador who put Jamaica on the map.
“Jimmy Cliff was a messenger, one who carried the story of this small island to the widest possible audience,” Holness said.
The Prime Minister highlighted Cliff’s dual role as a musician and actor. He specifically mentioned his role in the landmark film The Harder They Come. Holness stated that Cliff ensured the world heard and respected Jamaica.
He added that Cliff’s enduring legacy is hope.
“Jimmy Cliff didn’t merely entertain the world. Jimmy Cliff uplifted the world,” Holness declared.
“Little Tuku” and Lunch Money
The ceremony was broadcast live to viewers in the UK and New York. It featured video tributes from international stars like Sting and Shaggy. Additionally, the air filled with classic tracks such as “Bongo Man” and “Many Rivers to Cross.”
However, everyday Jamaicans provided the most poignant moments.
Purcell Johnson, 84, recalled attending Somerton Elementary School with the future star.
“I had to be here,” she said.
She shared fond memories of playing with Cliff. She remembered a jovial boy who teased her about her height by calling her “Little Tuku.”
“I am proud of him. He has done well,” Johnson added.
For Terry Ann Hamilton Stewart, 38, Cliff was a generous mentor. She recounted visiting his recording studio in Kingston as a student. He often gave her lunch money and encouraged her education.
“Jimmy is a legend. He used to tell me to study my lesson,” she said.
A Pioneer Remembered
The diverse crowd reflected Cliff’s wide reach. Carlton Darby, dressed in traditional Kenyan regalia, described Cliff as a foundational figure.
“He was there even before Bob Marley, and I’m here to pay my respects,” Darby noted.
Justine Henzell also spoke. Her father directed The Harder They Come. She admitted that eulogizing such a complex man was a “daunting” task. She contrasted his “rude boy” persona with the gentle man she knew privately.
The tribute concluded with emotional words from Cliff’s family. His brother, Victor Chambers, read the names of Cliff’s 19 children who were present.
“Please know that you are not alone,” Chambers told them. “You carry your father’s spirit, strength and love with you always.”
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