Jamaican reggae legend Eric Donaldson has stepped into a new national role—not on stage, but in service. The seven-time Festival Song champion was recently unveiled as the official brand ambassador for Give Back Jamaica, marking his first appearance at the organisation’s annual Primary School Appreciation Awards held in St Catherine.
Donaldson, whose anthems like Cherry Oh Baby and Land of My Birth helped shape Jamaica’s musical identity, is now lending his influence to elevate the country’s educational foundation. His presence at the third staging of the awards—hosted at Lucky Valley Primary School in Bog Walk—signaled a broader shift: cultural giants are now directly stepping into the trenches of grassroots development.
Recognition for Educational Excellence
This year, Lucky Valley Primary emerged as the leading honoree, praised for its consistent emphasis on student achievement and its deep-rooted ties to community life. Two other institutions—St John’s Primary and Friendship Primary—were recognized as runners-up, a testament to the robust spirit of Jamaican primary education.
Principal Kenrick Bennett of Lucky Valley acknowledged the award as a validation of collective effort:
“This isn’t just about academics. It’s about our teachers, our families, and our community showing up for our children every day.”
Championing Education Through Music and Faith
The event, hosted jointly by Bennett and Give Back Jamaica President Hopeton Brown, was a celebration of culture and purpose. Beyond speeches and commendations, it featured spirited student performances and live entertainment, including a standout appearance by recording artiste IBrave.
Donaldson, reflecting on his new appointment, highlighted the deeper purpose behind his involvement:
“Jamaica gave me my start. Now it’s my time to give something lasting back. Education is that gift—the one that transforms lives.”
Powered by Faith and Community
The awards programme is backed by B.A.D. (Bold, Active, Determined Men 4 Christ), a New Jersey-based Christian men’s initiative that sponsors the donation of 50 pairs of school shoes to the winning institution each year. The initiative is open to public voting and relies on nominations and participation from parents, educators, and community members alike.
Previous awardees include Harbour View Primary (2023) and Devon Primary (2024). With Lucky Valley now joining this legacy, Brown emphasized how Donaldson’s ambassadorship aligns with the movement’s mission.
“Eric Donaldson isn’t just a music icon. His record of service and advocacy makes him the perfect symbol for what we stand for—upliftment, community, and faith in action,” said Brown.
As Donaldson’s voice continues to echo through generations, his new role ensures it now resonates not only through speakers, but also in schoolyards, classrooms, and communities across Jamaica.
