By Balford Henry Observer From Jamaica Observer

THE Caribbean Development for the Arts, Sports and Culture last staged its Caribbean Hall of Fame for Excellence Awards 2012.

This year, founder/executive director, Garnett Reid, is reviving the event.

“UNESCO has credited us with being one of the best cultural organisations in the region and we want to keep it that way,” Reid told the Jamaica Observer on Monday.

The launch of the 12th Caribbean Hall of Fame Awards for Excellence is planned for today at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston.

The actual awards function is scheduled for October 25 at the Jamaica Pegasus.

Thirty Caribbean nationals will be honoured for their contributions in the fields of sports, music, arts, and culture. The event was first staged in 1989 and, according to Reid, “is geared towards strengthening and preserving Jamaica’s and the rest of the Caribbean’s cultural heritage”. However, the executive director explained that it has been an uphill battle to get sponsorship.

“Sometimes it is good, sometimes it is bad, and you know, you don’t want to stage a mediocre event. But, sponsorship has been our main challenge,” he confessed.

The list of nominees includes cricketers Marlon Samuels and Chris Gayle, athlete Yohan Blake, as well as entertainers Etana, Tarrus Riley, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, and Shaggy.

He said that next year his organisation is hoping to take the function to Trinidad and Tobago, the first time it would be held outside Jamaica.

IMAGE: Shaggy, Beenie

For more on this story go to: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Carib-Hall-of-Fame-returns_17415266