Minister Grange Regrets the Passing
Minister Grange Regrets the Passing of Cleve Laing aka Lt Stitchie Kingston, September 28 - The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, says she deeply regrets the passing of Cleveland Laing, the ever popular ‘Lieutenant Stitchie’, whose secular and gospel music caught the imagination of fans at home and abroad. Lieutenant Stitchie died in hospital to...
Minister Grange Regrets the Passing of Cleve Laing aka Lt Stitchie Kingston, September 28 - The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, says she deeply regrets the passing of Cleveland Laing, the ever popular ‘Lieutenant Stitchie’, whose secular and gospel music caught the imagination of fans at home and abroad.
Lieutenant Stitchie died in hospital today after a long illness at the age of 60. Minister Grange said, “Lieutenant Stitchie was a respected Jamaican recording artiste, songwriter, and performer whose music and ministry touched the lives of many people both in Jamaica and internationally. “We will recall that Stitchie worked on sound systems in Spanish Town where he came from before announcing himself as an upcoming star with his humorous hit song ‘Wear Yu Size’.
In 1987, he made history as the first Jamaican Dancehall artiste to be signed to a major United States record label, Atlantic Records, and at that time released his debut album, The Governor. His switch from Dancehall to gospel music, following a near-fatal accident, saw Stitchie blossoming into one of Jamaica’s most exciting and enduring gospel artistes while appreciation for his secular songs never waned. “He released his first Christian album, Real Power, in 2000, and became a respected minister and motivational speaker.
His commitment to education and social outreach was widely recognised. “My heartfelt condolences to Sophia, the children, his relatives, friends and associates, fans, and the music fraternity. We give thanks for Cleve’s life, his music, and his ministry. He has left us a rich legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
My Ministry will update the public on the plans for the celebration of his life.”
Primary source: Virgin Gorda Community Board (Facebook)