Jamaica to name highway for Harry Belafonte

One of Jamaica's highways is to be named in honour of renowned singer and actor and civil rights activist of Jamaican parentage, Harry Belafonte.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in a message to mark Belafonte's 95th birthday anniversary on March 1, described him as a "Titan". He said that the highway, which has not been identified, will be named in his honour "in recognition of the long road to freedom Harry Belafonte has traversed on behalf of our people".

Holness said that Belafonte "is an icon whose pristine voice, soaring melodies, and music on the global stage, magically matched the rhythm and power of his stride in the march for equal rights, justice, and empowerment".

He continued: "Harry Belafonte's fierce defence of the dignity and integrity of our people has inspired us to make our own commitment to the struggle towards the fuller, mental freedom asserted by Garvey".

Referring to Belafonte as a humanitarian and an activist, Holness said that his unflinching stance for upliftment of the black race must be celebrated.

"His has been a constant voice against racial prejudice not only in the United States of America, but in South Africa and anywhere in the world that injustice reared its ugly head," Holness declared.

LIFE OF SERVICE

The prime minister also said that over the years, Belafonte "decried colonial oppression and has given a life of service to the campaign for the elimination of chronic poverty and disease, undereducation, and economic hardships".

"Harry Belafonte has walked with kings and presidents, yet has never lost the common touch. From Jamaica to Rwanda to Kenya to Senegal, he has given voice to the voiceless and hope to the downtrodden".

Belafonte was born in Harlem, New York, to Jamaican parents.