More than 50 years after his begininngs, Jamaican veteran Byron Lee was conferred with the Order of Jamaica on October 26th, at the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies. The 73 years-old man who suffers from cancer since 2 years, was being treated in Miami, Florida. He returned to Jamaica over the week end to be awarded.

He received the award by Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall and a ceremony was attented by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Olivia Grange. "Byron Lee and the Dragonaires was an institution that made such an impact on the lives of so many people, Golding said. "Byron's contribution must be boldly recorded when the history of Jamaican music is being written."

Bandleader Byron Lee founded The Dragonaires in the middle 50’s. From mento to soca, they released several hits and played a pionnering role to bring Jamaican music to the World. Respect due to Byron Lee, keep up fighting…