Praise Awards feels the absence of Dr Shirley Caesar

Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Celebrated American gospel singer Reverend Dr Shirley Caesar was noticeably absent from the Praise Awards red-carpet gala event at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, last week.

The singer, who in addition to bishop of the Jamaica Evangelistic Association, Reverend Dr V.T. Williams, was scheduled to receive a lifetime achievement award from Jamaica Praise Fest organisers last Wednesday, was nowhere to be found when it was time to collect her award. Eager fans of her music and attendees simply had to be content with an apology for her absence.

Reverend V.T. Williams was present to accept his award.

"She had another commitment that resulted in her not being at the event," president of Jamaica Praise Fest Reverend Lorna Chambers, said.

"We admire the work that she has done over the years and the impact on so many lives, which underscores the reason we decided to give her this award. Shirley and V.T. Williams have done a lot throughout the years through music and philanthropy and we celebrate their contributions with this award," she added.

Some 27 honourees, including groups, received awards in 10 different categories as the organisers highlighted the work of persons within the Christian faith who have excelled in their respective ministries. This is the first year of the Praise Award. The Jamaica Praise Fest gospel concert was staged for the second time in three years at the Dump-Up Beach in Montego Bay between April 18 and 19.

"This is our first annual Praise Award ceremony and we wanted to recognise some of the persons who continue to have a positive impact on the lives of many and who have made significant contributions to the Christian movement. Religion is a part of the fabric of who we are as a people, and as we celebrated the year of jubilee, this award section is also celebrating Jamaica 50 and those who have made a difference," Chambers added.

Jamaica Praise Fest, which has seen the likes of Donnie McClurkin gracing its stage, had to be postponed last year due to the passage of Hurricane Sandy, which affected Jamaica and the Tri-State area in the United States. However, this setback did not dampen the spirit of the organisers, who rescheduled the event for April of this year, headlined by Shirley Caesar.