17 September 2020
Ismaila M.S.Naban
The newly re-elected Prime Minister (PM) of the Caribbean Island nation of Jamaica, Andrew Michael Holness, ON, and Member of Parliament (MP) for West Central St Andrew, has expressed his "deepest condolences" to the family, and global fans of the late Jamaican Reggae Singer and Songwriter who departed from this world on 11 September, 2020.
Toots was said to have died at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew on Friday evening.
Writing on his popular facebook page, the Jamaican politician who has been the Prime Minister of Jamaica since 3 March 2016, following the 2016 Jamaican general election, and was recently re-elected in a general election which saw his party, The Labour Party, getting a landslide, said: "Today I mourn with all Jamaicans as we woke to news of the passing of our very own legendary Reggae singer Frederick "Toots" Hibbert from the iconic band, “Toots and the Maytals”.
The PM eulogised that, over the years, "Toots has added significant value to #BrandJamaica and many of us will remember him as one of Jamaica’s best musical talents".
Mr. Holness remarked: "I extend my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and friends, and to the many people who loved and supported him and his music, both in Jamaica and around the world."
Holness is regarded as the youngest person to have been elected and re-elected Prime Minister in Jamaica's history. Additionally, he is said to be the first Prime Minister to have been born after that Carribean nation gained its independence in 1962.
It could be refreshed that the late Jamaican singer-cum-songwriter, Mr. Frederick Nathaniel "Toots" Hibbert, OJ--(8 December 1942–11 September 2020)--was the lead vocalist for the reggae and ska band Toots and the Maytals.
He's acclaimed as a "reggae pioneer" he had performed for six (6) decades.
Frederick is said to have helped establish some of the fundamentals of reggae music.
The PM's message of condolences has attributed thousands of comments and reactions.
One Yolanda Jcantothebone writes: "RIP Toots! My condolences to your family and friends. You are an icon and a great contributor to the world of music. You will be missed!"
Clare Nelson said:"His soul will rest. He made invaluable musical contributions to Jamaica and the world.
"I tear up just remembering his many performances in the summertime here in Philadelphia. My condolences to his lovely family."
Meanwhile, many people from far and near Jamaica, had expressed "shock and sadness" over the passing of the singer, and prayed for his soul to Rest In Peace.
