Gramps Morgan Receives Governor General’s Diaspora Award For Excellence
Reggae superstar Roy “Gramps” Morgan was among five recipients of the Governor General’s Diaspora Awards For Excellence 2024 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on Wednesday.
The Positive Vibrations artist was recognised during the awards cermony, held during the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, for his philanthropy and preservation of Jamaican culture, and described as one whose “efforts embody the Governor General’s Programme for Excellence”.
In Gramp’s citation, which was read at the event, the Down by the River singer was described as “a distinguished figure in Reggae music and humanitarian efforts and who, as a member of Morgan Heritage, has “promoted unity, love, and social justice”.
“His song, People Like You resonates globally with his message of gratitude,” Gramp’s citation read.
“Gramps’s philantropy focuses on healthcare, education, and community development. He provides scholarships for disadvantaged youth, supports disaster relief efforts in the Caribbean, and has contributed significantly to a health care facility in St Ann. Noteworthy is his active involvement with the Issa Trust Foundation’s construction of the Mary Issa Health Centre, which will provide free health care access to children and adolescents in the region,” it added.
In an interview with DancehallMag following the presentation of his award, Gramps said that he was highly appreciative of the prestigious accolade.
“There are many awards, but an award of this nature, it’s very important. ow that I’m a reggae artiste… So it’s very important to just be recognized and say, Gramps, we’ve been listening to you, we’ve heard you. Gramps, we see what you’re doing,” he said.
In reflecting on his philanthropic work over the years, Gramps told DancehallMag that in addition to his work with the Issa Trust Foundation, he also serves the less fortunate through his Gramps Music Orchestrated Miracles (Gramps MOM) Foundation, which, among other things, supports children with school resources.
“We did an initiative in Ethiopia where a little boy couldn’t go to school because he didn’t have a pencil. Just think about it, not transportation, or clothes, or backpack. So it’s important for me to really understand the blessing of just somebody being able to go to school and understand the burden of some kids that can’t go to school,” he explained.
“So to see that this is like an award for the work that we’ve done for our entire life, culturally, community-wise, that the Governor General’s Office have heard the words that we have sang, in particular the words that I’ve only done for the past couple years since my first solo album in 2009, I am very appreciative,” he said.
Established in 2008, the Governor General’s Diaspora Awards for Excellence are conferred biennially during the Jamaica Diaspora Conference. These awards honour born Jamaicans and their descendants in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and elsewhere, for their exceptional contributions to diaspora communities and the development of Jamaica.
In his address on Wednesday, moments bfeore presenting the awards, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen noted that the awards are presented to “individuals of substance whose stories are not just inspiring, but a testament to the human spirit and perseverance”.
“Mr Roy Morgan is specially recognised for his philantrophy, and cultural ambassadorship. He tells the world about people like you. His song serves as an anthem of gratitude, and his commitment to giving back to Jamaica, embodies the core values of this award,” he stated.
“These individiuals are builders of hope and community. They, like all of us bring unique strengths to the table each contributing to a better Jamaica,” the GG added.