‘Contractor’ Edwards, Issa Trust awarded in New York

Music producer and marketer Sean 'Contractor' Edwards has been recognised by the Issa Trust Foundation after the foundation was given a proclamation from New York Mayor Eric Adams.

The special honour is in recognition of the foundation's ongoing efforts to raise funds for the construction of the Mary Issa Paediatric and Adolescent Health Centre in St Ann. Chairman of the foundation, Paul Issa, explained that the May 11 was proclaimed as Issa Trust Foundation Day in New York

"It acknowledges the work that we have done and it names several people including our president Diane Pollard, Lady Allen, wife of the governor general, who is a patron of the foundation, Mrs [Juliet] Holness, wife of the prime minister of Jamaica and patron of the foundation, and Sean Edwards who has done a lot in terms of spreading the word on the work of our foundation," he said.

Edwards said that he was introduced to Pollard by Billboard and Rolling Stone writer Patricia Meschino to assist with marketing of their For the Children Charity concert which featured Third World, Koffee and Air Supply.

Edwards said that he has also benefited from the foundation on their Vision Mission. He was gifted a pair of custom-made glasses after having his eyes tested.

"I have visited the St Ann's Bay [Regional] Hospital, the Victoria Jubilee [Hospital], and Spanish Town and have seen their work in the the paediatric wards. So it's an honour for me to assist with their (the foundation's) marketing and thus be mentioned in the proclamation from the mayor of the city of New York," Edwards said.

He expressed hope that the marketing of such philanthropist events will inspire more artistes to support worthy causes.

"In marketing of philanthropic initiatives, it's most important to show the results of the work being done and the impact that it has on the community and the country. Children emulate the artistes' lifestyle and behaviour patterns, so I think we will see more local artistes taking on some global issues such as climate warming and calling for peace and stability in certain global crisis," he said.