The coffin with the body of Roy Shirley rests to one side of the stage at Oakton Park, Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, last Sunday, as the singer was given a musical send-off. - Ricardo Makyn

On Sunday I attended my second funeral at the Oakton Park Complex in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew.

The first time it was for Brent Dowe of the Melodians, maybe most famous for Rivers of Babylon. This time around it was Roy Shirley, famous as much for his high collars, quirky dancing and voice as for his hit songs Music Feel and Feel Good.

Pioneers of Jamaican music

On both occasions, hosted by the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA), it was noted that more must be done to honour the pioneers of Jamaican music. On the more recent occasion, it was announced that the Government would be doing more to recognise the contribution of the 'elders' of Jamaican music, a set of persons who are dying as the years roll by.

Not so long ago it was Ruddy Thomas and Stanley Beckford and, no doubt, as more thanksgiving services like the one for Roy Shirley on Sunday are held, it will become a matter of guessing 'who's next'?

Deep sadness

While the send-offs are good and the Government's contribution in bringing home Shirley's body from England is commendable, I cannot shake the feeling of deep sadness that I get whenever I look around at the gatherings of older entertainers and musicians at not only send-offs but also oldies concerts. I know that they are a proud bunch; they will turn out in their cleanest clothes, their seams and backbones straight, even if they are suffering the worst of financial woes.

And it is not as if, in many of the cases of penury despite some popularity, they can be blamed for wasting while they were 'making it'. After all, it was simply fun for most in the very early days of a business which is now lauded in some quarters as the potential solution to Jamaica's economic woes. And those who knew were often those who took advantage of the ignorant with unfair contracts and 'borrowing' of publishing.

Recognise the contribution

So, I would suggest that if this and subsequent governments want to recognise the contribution of the outstanding Jamaican music pioneers who have fallen on hard times, they begin with housing and health, the two 'hs' that are often the foundation of dignity.

If somewhere like the old Forum Hotel in Portmore was refurbished and filled with destitute elderly musicians and entertainers, it would be like an old age home, yes. But chances are it would be filled with such harmony and the camaraderie of persons who have lived a passion together that it would not be the depressing kind of place that such a place can be.

The drugs for the elderly programme is already in place; it would simply be a matter of expanding the benefits.

JAVAA has been doing a lot; it is time that stronger arms really pitch in before death.