THE MONTHLY GLEANER | SEPTEMBER 7 - OCTOBER 7, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 6 NEW YORK, NY: J AMAICAN AMERICAN businessman Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne, founder of Sound Chat Radio, and Irish and Chin, was honoured recently with a citation from New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Presented by Jose Bayona, executive director of the Office of Ethnic and Community Media, and Lamona Worrel, assistant commissioner, Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, the citation recognised Bourne’s contributions, vision and career-long dedication to strengthening New York’s cultural and media landscapes. Further, his many talents and entrepreneurial ventures, which have benefited communities across several boroughs, were acknowledged. In responding to the recognition, Bourne thanked everyone who had sacrificed their time and talent to help grow Sound Chat Radio into the full-spectrum media entity it is today, representing the Caribbean diaspora. He was surrounded by representatives of his tech, administration and broadcast teams for the commemorative occasion, which included his long-time friend and colleague Rohan ‘Ninja Crown’Henry, who, he acknowledged, has been there from “day one” of the Sound Chat Radio journey. “This is such a strange but wonderful feeling. My efforts have always been centred around recognising and awarding those who contributed greatly to the wonderful music industry we inherited,” says Bourne. “It feels good to know that I have now reached a place where my efforts are also starting to be recognised. This is truly different than the norm, as I am usually the one giving out the awards. “When I started radio, I had no knowledge of what I was doing! All I had was determination, vision, and an idea of how I wanted people in the Caribbean diaspora to enjoy radio,” says Bourne candidly. “As the station’s listenership grew, I realised that people were open for change, and they trustedme to lead them to a new listening experience. Twelve years later and that experience has brought us to City Hall! Sound Chat Radio is a force to be reckoned with.” As if the week couldn’t get more meaningful, “Keep up the good work, sir,”were the encouraging words from Prime Minister Andrew Holness to Bourne, just days after the citation at the annual Jamaica Independence Gala NewYork, held inmidtown Manhattan. One may recall, some years ago. Prime Minister Holness met Mighty Crown, which is managed by Chin, when they played at the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s state dinner in Japan, which Holness attended. It was a full-circle moment indeed. Bourne says, “I never saw this in the forecast for me, but I am extremely grateful to Mayor Eric Adams and his amazing team. For decades, I have represented sound system culture, which is the most uncelebrated art form of Jamaica’s rich music heritage.” The media and entertainment honouree added, “I’ve been able to assist in keeping sound culture alive by creating new platforms for it to be explained, appreciated and highlighted. This was the original purpose of starting Sound Chat Radio. I had no idea it would grow to become a global phenomenon. I am proud.” Aubrey Campbell/Gleaner Writer ATLANTA, GA: THE JAMAICANMuseumand Cultural Centre (Atlanta) paid tribute to Beres Hammond, OJ, the iconic crooner and multiple award-winner during a recent concert event at Chastain Park in Atlanta, Georgia. President of JMCC Dr Apollone Reid, who read the citation, lauded Beres, the master of lovers’ rock for his exemplary dedication to the Jamaican music industry and his promotion of love and decency in his musical lyrics. Reid pledged to preserve Hammond’s legacy in the archives of the museum for future generations, and emphasised that his music of love was vital in combating the effects of the negative trends of modern-day musical delivery. Vice-President Christine Marzouca followed with the presentation of a plaque to Hammond. The handover of the award was met with loud applause from the audience, which included die-hard fans of the singer. Hammond, Luciano and Inner Circle Band were the headline acts for the Atlanta leg of the ‘Forever Giving Thanks’ tour, billed as ‘an evening of reggae under the stars’ at the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre, presented by Midnight Productions and Twilight Productions, with Dr Ragashanti as emcee. Jamaican Museum and Cultural Centre, Atlanta honours Beres Hammond Dr Apollone Reid (right), president of the Jamaican Museum & Cultural Centre, reads the citation in recognition of singer Beres Hammond, while VP Christine Marzouca admires the award just ahead of the presentation, which was met with much applause from the audience at the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre, Atlanta, Georgia, on August 20. Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne receives citation from New York Mayor Eric Adams Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne is honoured with a citation from NY Mayor Eric Adams. CONTRIBUTED
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