Letter of the Day | Jamaica has lost a giant

THE EDITOR, Madam:

It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of James Chambers, known to the world as Jimmy Cliff, Order of Merit — an iconic pioneer whose crystalline voice and visionary artistry transformed Jamaican music into a global phenomenon.

Jimmy Cliff was more than a musician; he was a cultural architect who helped build the bridge that connected Jamaica’s soul to the consciousness of the world. When we honoured him with the Order of Merit in October 2003, we recognised what the global community had long known: that his contributions to music and film had achieved eminent international distinction and brought immeasurable pride to our nation.

The creative genius of this legend ensures the immortality of one who sought to inspire and uplift. Through songs like Many Rivers to Cross, The Harder They Come, and Wonderful World, Beautiful People, Jimmy gave voice to the struggles, dreams, and indomitable spirit of our people. His music was never merely entertainment — it was prophecy, protest, and celebration all at once.

I remember vividly the impact of The Harder They Come in 1972. That film, with Jimmy’s magnetic performance and unforgettable soundtrack, shattered stereotypes and showed the world an authentic Jamaica — complex, vibrant, resilient, and unapologetically real. In doing so, he opened doors not just for reggae music, but for an entire generation of Caribbean artistes who followed in his pioneering footsteps.

WEATHERED EVERY STORM

He was born during the hurricane of 1944 in Somerton district, in the parish of St James, where I went to live with my aunt Doris Carter Henry, the postmistress, to attend elementary school. Perhaps that shared foundation gave us both an understanding of what it means to carry your community’s hopes and dreams beyond the boundaries of where you began.

Jimmy weathered every storm–personal, professional, and creative – with grace and determination. From his humble beginnings to international stages, from the hills of St James to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he never forgot where he came from or who he represented.

As we mourn his passing, coming just weeks after Hurricane Melissa devastated his native St James, we are reminded of the cyclical nature of life itself. But while storms pass, legacies endure. Jimmy Cliff’s music will continue to inspire, his message will continue to resonate, and his contributions will continue to elevate Jamaica’s cultural standing for generations to come.

To his wife Latifa, his children Lilty, Aken, and Nabiyah, and to all his family and friends, I extend my deepest condolences. Jamaica has lost a giant, but heaven has gained a voice that surely will make even the angels stop and listen.

Jimmy Cliff proved that a boy from the Jamaican countryside could conquer the world through talent, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of music. He crossed many rivers, climbed many cliffs, and in doing so, showed all of us that with perseverance and vision, beautiful worlds are not just possible — they are inevitable.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his music continue to uplift humanity now and forever more.

The Most Honourable P.J.

Patterson, ON, OCC, OE, KC

Former Prime Minister of

Jamaica