Jimmy Cliff funeral set for next Wednesday

The funeral for reggae singer Jimmy Cliff will take place next week Wednesday, at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew beginning at 10 a.m.

Jimmy Cliff passed away on November 24, at the age of 81.

He is being accorded an official funeral by the Government "for his immense contribution to Jamaican Culture and Entertainment," said Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport.

Grange said the service at the National Indoor Centre would "provide an opportunity for the country to bid farewell to an outstanding son of Jamaica, an icon."

The minister said the service to honour the The Harder They Come actor will feature only spoken word, dance and music in keeping with Jimmy Cliff's wishes.

The singer, whose given name is James Chambers, was born in Somerton, St James, on July 30, 1944. He was presented with the Order of Distinction for services in the field of entertainment in 1973. This was later upgraded to Jamaica's third highest national honour, the Order of Merit.