St. James Municipal Corporation approves resolution to erect statue of reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff in Montego Bay

Months after Jamaica paid tribute to reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, plans are now moving forward to permanently honour his global cultural impact. The St James Municipal Corporation has approved a resolution to erect a statue of the late icon at the entrance to Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in Montego Bay—a symbolic landmark recognising the pioneer whose music helped propel Jamaica onto the world stage.

The move follows a proposal presented by Councillor Damion Brown during a recent municipal meeting, where he highlighted Cliff’s enduring contributions to culture and tourism, as well as his role in strengthening Brand Jamaica internationally. The resolution, which received unanimous support, will now be submitted to the Culture Ministry for review. Brown also referenced earlier recognition efforts, including the 2019 renaming of Gloucester Avenue to Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, underscoring the parish’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the reggae trailblazer’s legacy.

Momentum for the tribute gained traction two months after Senator Charles Sinclair called for Cliff’s Somerton home to be transformed into a museum alongside the installation of a statue. The initiative arrives in the wake of the island’s national mourning period following the singer’s passing in November 2025 at age 81. Jamaica later staged a state-recognised funeral at the National Indoor Sports Centre, where Minister of Culture Olivia Grange described Cliff as “an outstanding son of Jamaica” whose artistry shaped generations.

Widely regarded as one of reggae’s international architects—alongside icons such as Bob Marley—Cliff’s influence stretched from chart-topping hits to his starring role in the classic film The Harder They Come. Tributes also poured in from political leaders including Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who praised the singer’s music for uplifting people worldwide. With plans now underway to immortalise him in stone, Cliff’s legacy continues to stand tall—both in sound and soon, in monument.

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