By Shereita Grizzle—
Following the release of a Sunday Gleaner story highlighting reggae singer Jackie Bernard’s struggles, there has been an outpouring of support from persons both locally and internationally.
It was reported that Bernard, former lead singer for the Kingstonians, had been diagnosed with diabetes and was in desperate need of assistance.
The Kingstonians was a rocksteady trio founded in the 1960s by Bernard and his brother Lloyd ‘Footy’ Bernard along with Lloyd Kerr. The group gained popularity between 1968 and 1970, when they signed with producer Derrick Harriott.
Under Jackie Bernard’s leadership, the trio released singles such as Whiney Whiney, Singer Man, Sufferer and Hold Down.
Since the article was published a few weeks ago, the Jackie Bernard Foundation has seen a spike in donations. Rafael Ruiz, founder of the foundation and the man responsible for taking care of Bernard, says he is grateful for the support and love persons have shown for the ailing artist.
“He was such a great contributor to reggae music and his situation was just sad so I decided to do something and I’m happy that more persons are coming on board.”
The Facebook page set up in Bernard’s name made a post last Friday announcing a benefit concert later this month with proceeds in aid of Jackie Bernard; and Ruiz says there is much more to come as people rally their support for the Sufferer singer.
Mark ‘Dukey’ Gorney of Tip Top Sound and member of the San Francisco Vintage Reggae Society expressed his gratitude for Ruiz’s efforts in getting Bernard the attention and care he needs, but states that it is unfortunate that help had to be sought outside of Jamaica.
COMPASSIONATE ACTION
“I am grateful for Rafael’s compassionate action as it has improved his condition and may have even saved his life, however, it is unfortunate that the intervening actions of persons from abroad are seemingly required and that institutions to help Jamaican artists are so limited in their resources,” said Gorney.
He believes there should be plans put in place to facilitate artists when they fall on hard times and echoes the belief that artistes should plan for any eventuality.
“Jackie is certainly not the first Jamaican artist to have found himself in a destitute state in the decades following the prime years of his career. His situation underscores the need for artists to plan and prepare for the future, even if it means engaging in regular employment outside the realm of entertainment,” said Gorney.
Last Friday, the foundation posted updates, via its Facebook page, showing the inside of Bernard’s freshly renovated one-room abode.
The unfinished one-room house in Maxfield Park, St Andrew, was given a face lift with the funds garnered from various donations.
Ruiz says that although Bernard is still not able to move around by himself, he’s doing much better and is in good spirits.
“He is doing better, he has gained weight and he’s talking again so that is good,” Ruiz explained.
According to the foundation head, Bernard is due for a hospital visit soon and he will continue to give updates via the Facebook page.
“He’s still in pain but he will be going to the hospital soon for his check-ups and we will be getting more medical supplies for him.”
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