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Jamaica, West Indies

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For information about special discounts for bulk purchase, please contact us at DRUM & BASS MUSIC & PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED

Take note that the name satan and related names are not capitalized. We choose not to acknowledge him, even to the point where we confess to violation of the grammatical rules in the English Language.

All scripture quotations are from the Nelson Study Bible, copyright © 1997 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All pictures were taken from the author’s archive. This book is as real as it can be, but I’ve changed the names of some of the characters to afford some the position of being anonymous.

Cover Art and Layout by Monique McLeod

Photography by Brendon Jones

Edited by Professor Carolyn Cooper.

Copyright © 2015 by Cleve Laing. All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-0-9838193-4-9

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, record, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Registered at birth as Cleve Aman Laing, but was born in the capital City of Kingston Jamaica. School and trained within the walls of the inner-city in such territories; born in Olympic Gardens, Live in Riverton City, moved to Water House, grow up in the first capital of Jamaica, Spanish Town and attended school in Tivoli Gardens.

In the early 1980’s I arrived at Tivoli Gardens High School eager and earnest in my chosen occupation of teaching and there I met the author of this book as a final year student doing external examinations. At first he was unassuming going about task of completing assignments set for his up and coming G.C.E. Art Exam. During the practical class and some lunch break an engaging teacher/student relationship developed between Cleve and I, to the point where he referred to me as his older brother and mentor. Surprisingly we discovered that we were both born in the blessed month of September and enjoyed much the same things such as; a love for reading, sport, art and music.

Cleve, though from a very poor and humble home in Spanish Town, was ambitious, concerned for his fellow students and generous with the little resources he had at his disposal. This was especially evident in the way he shared of his artistic talent and the materials he worked with which was sometime short in supply. After leaving school he went on to further his education at G.C.Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, where he qualified himself to become a Teacher like his mentor.

A short stint at Tivoli Gardens High, his alma mater saw him leaving for a career in music as his musical escapade as a Song Writer, Singer, Producer and Reggae/ Dancehall Artiste took off as “Lt. Stitchie”.

He’s now the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of his own record label, Drum & Bass Music & Publishing Company Limited. As an ordained Pastor, he has become the first Gospel/Dancehall Artiste to have been given an Honorary Doctorate Degree, which was conferred upon him, by the Cornerstone Christian University, in Orlando, Florida. Through all this development and change, inclusive of a marriage and from the father of a child, to becoming the father of children, Cleve remained humble and caring for his family and close inner circle of friends.

During all this development he cared for his mother making her as comfortable as possible before her passing. Cleve’s life was soon to take a complete change and transformation after an accident which nearly took his life. This change and transformation is now evident in a converted and reborn Cleve Laing now known to the world as “Stitchie” (New stage name) and his conversion to Christianity.

It may surprise some people to know that “This Product” of the ghetto (Stitchie) would like the youngsters of the inner-city, whether the physical ghetto or the ghetto of the mind to know that patience and perseverance can be had by all who seek it; and one’s ultimate belief in the Creator is their ticket to rich, fulfilling and purposeful life.

DEDICATION

All the works of my hands I dedicate to the Lord as a sacrifice on His altar, for the enhancement of His Kingdom, as an Ambassador of Christ. To my beloved late mother, Mrs. Imogene Laing, whose love and discipline have steered me to freedom. To my best friend and wife, Sophia, whose support is perpetual and immeasurable; to my daughters; Queen Candace, Princess Johanna and the many children to come; to all my friends, family, fellow Jamaicans and Caribbean Nationals, global supporters, brothers and sisters in the Kingdom; you’ve all taught me, in one way or another, directly or indirectly, to be determined.

SUMMARY

From the dancehall to the altar, Stitchie reveals in this powerful book the source of the creative energy that has made him such an outstanding musical talent. It all comes from the power of determination. Starting with his experiences as a mischievous child growing up in Spanish Town, Stitchie tells us about the influential people who steered him in the right direction.

First of all, he honors his mother for nurturing in him the foundation values of decency, honesty and discipline that have shaped his character. Stitchie also pays tribute to his many teachers, especially those at the Tivoli Gardens Comprehensive High, who helped him in many practical ways to stay in school and out of trouble. In this honest account of good friends and bad, Stitchie doesn’t hide the truth about the terrible wages of sin and crime. Bad company can lead well-intentioned youth to their death. But the power of determination can bring you back on track when temptation pushes you down the path of destruction. And there is quite a lot of humor in Stitchie’s story. He certainly knows how to tek bad things mek joke.

This is a serious book that illustrates just how much each of us can accomplish when we set our mind to it and accept the power of divine guidance in our lives.

Professor Carolyn Cooper

ENDORSEMENTS

Cleve Laing, a graduate of G. C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, is more popularly known to Jamaicans living within and outside of the country as ‘Stitchie’.

Even before entering G. C. Foster College, Stitchie was busy stringing words together which, along with some of Jamaica’s most popular musical rhythms, he would combine, to the amusement and satisfaction of attendees at dancehall sessions and stage shows.

Who can forget his number one hit, which got frequent rotation on radio, ‘Wear Yuh (your) Size’, in which he funnily and lightheartedly admonished young women to wear the right size shoes, instead of sacrificing pain and discomfort for fashion, by stuffing their feet into much smaller shoes, in order to gain the attention of their peers. Who can also forget ‘Stitchie’s’ explosive lyrical outburst and nerve tingling stage movements as he traded words in combination with some of Jamaica’s leading D.J.’s.

But, that was the Stitchie of old. The new Stitchie is a different Stitchie. He has turned his life over to the Creator of all things, the one who guides our going and coming, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Stitchie now uses his gift of words and his musical calling to spread the gospel, and to teach and preach words that are morally uplifting, words that are divine, holy and befitting of a man, who through Christ, believes that all things are possible.

It is this renewed and reinvigorated Stitchie, believing in the power of determination, who in writing his autobiographical thoughts, has decided to take the reader through his meandering life experiences and his discovery of the words of God. In doing so, his intention is not to dictate, but to persuade and guide all those who are prepared to read his work, particularly the ‘doubting Thomas’, and those who would either, instinctively or calculatingly, dismiss the power of determination.

By writing about his life experiences, Stitchie is also subliminally encouraging others to write about their own experiences. In a country where reading is not an easily adaptable pastime, this might be interpreted by some as an idealistic notion, but this ought not to dissuade one from putting pen to paper to write their own stories.

Stitchie’s evolution from the secular world, to that of a person whose lifestyle and musical expressions are firmly anchored in Christ, should make his book an interesting read. That is the primary reason why I unhesitatingly endorse his autobiography, ‘The Power of Determination’.

Delano Franklyn Attorney-at-Law

Kingston,

Jamaica.

I have read many autobiographies and narratives, but I have never read a narrative like this one. This book is truly amazing. The format in which it is placed, the wordings, and the expression are truly amazing! If I were to do a comparison of this literature, I would say this book is likened unto a “life of transformation, from darkness to light.”

Have you had a chance to reflect, recollect or think about your past? Have you thought about where you were, where you could have been, and where your life is going? If you reevaluate your life, recollect, or look back in retrospect on what you could have been, you will soon realize that it was only the grace of God that brought you through your many trials and troubles. Reflect on the stanza of the song AMAZING GRACE “through many dangers toils and snares I have already come, it was grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.”

As you read this book you will be inspired, motivated and driven to make a change in your life. It doesn’t matter where you have been or what you have done, the God of yesterday, today and forever will forgive you.

As I read these chapters I was reminded of several scriptures “….if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17(KJV). As far as the east is from the west so far hath he removed our transgression, he cast them into the sea of forgetfulness and remembers them no more. “…. forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3: 13-14, God has the whole world in his hand, he has life and he has God has the whole world in his hand, he has life and he has death. God has the ultimate destined plan for your life.

Read this book. It will take you on a journey to a realm of total transformation. Through the reading you will discover that all things work together for the good of those who are the called and are chosen for God’s divine purpose. God rains on the just and on the unjust; and that my friend may be you (Matthew 5:45). This inspiring, moving story will open your eyes and transform your life. Dr. Henry Fernandez

Best Selling Author, Senior Pastor & Founder

The Faith Center Ministries

Florida, USA.

Sheer determination has enabled mere men and women to accomplish some of the greatest feats known, amazingly turning the tide on seemingly impossible situations. Determination is undoubtedly a strong force with which to reckon. Surprisingly enough, power of this magnitude is at everyone’s disposal – we only need to tap into it. Cleve “Stitchie” Laing seized this truth and was able to stand in the face of adversity, seeing obstacles as opportunities rather than as foes.

The Power of Determination shares Stitchie’s compelling life story and how nothing is too difficult to overcome with Jehovah, God. I highly recommend this book. If you are a radical believer, it will encourage you in your resilience. If you have become complacent in your faith, it will stir a fire in you to stand determined once again and believe that God is in control of your life and well able to do all things. The impossible is possible when determination is your constant companion!

His Royal Majesty,

Drolor Bosso Adamtey I THE SE NOYAM MATSE King for Progress and Development of the Shai People and State Ghana, West Africa (Dr. Kingsley Fletcher) Crowned King,

International Speaker, Government Advisor,

and Author In Appreciation of

“The Power of Determination” by Cleve “Stitchie” Laing.

This manuscript held me spellbound as if I was viewing a real live drama-the portrait of a ghetto youth in pursuit of his destiny. Cleve has written with such graphic three dimensional precision that he draws the reader into the picture to become more than a detached bystander.

The innocence of youth caught in the violent culture of poverty and crime depicted in this book is typical of the life style of urban inner-city communities in Jamaica. It evokes such feelings of anger and retribution against the system and its perpetrators that only the comical humor in each anecdote allows us to cope with controlled disquiet.

Indeed, if in retrospect we could not laugh it is doubtful the reader could endure the high tension and speed of the selected frames in the narrative of his life’s journey. Because he is still alive, and exhibiting the spirit of triumph and success in his career and ministry, we can accommodate the painful tale of his life’s woes.

We are all indebted to his early teachers who enabled him, in his own words, “…not only to develop my skills in art but to open my eyes to the truth that I was painting a picture since birth that would not be completed until I have breathed my last breath.” Hopefully, that last breath is a long way off today.

This book is a must read for every Jamaican “schooler”, not only for its sociological content, but also for its literary value.

The life of Stitchie presented in this story, is a true testament of “The Power of Determination.”

Drs. Peter and Pat Morgan

Kingston, Jamaica.

The Power of Determination - A gripping theme-book on the practical realities of inner-city life, and in summary an anthem of resourcefulness, resolve, and rectitude. Indeed tenacity at its most excellent. Truly a divinely inspired book, for inspiring inner-city youth everywhere.

Donald McDowell

Bsc., FLMI., Dip.MS., ThM., MDiv.

he power of determination is indeed of major significance to the efforts by all who tenant societies like Jamaica in the quest for self-empowerment. This, therefore, makes a must-read of this engaging, well written and exciting story of Cleve “Stitchie” Laing’s inspired journey through urban blight to artistic eminence and spiritual bliss.

Professor, The Late Hon. Rex Nettleford

Vice Chancellor Emeritus

The University of the West Indies Mona, Kingston, Jamaica.

What Stitchie documented in the power of determination, can be considered as the first step in ones life of progress, success, satisfaction and acknowledgement of God even when we are not aware of His presence or take it for granted.

When you know the truth and know where you’re coming from, it means a lot in life’s journey, as not knowing the truth means not knowing one’s self and this is a very dangerous position to be in. Stitchie identify himself with those of us who are from the bowels of our Jamaican society and he represents all of us from all the ghettos of the world, he’s one of us. We are reminded in this book of the determination of our ancestors from captivity and bondage to freedom and purpose. Stitchie has contributed to the liberation of all ghetto youths from all kinds of slavery. He has shown that there is still hope, faith and deliverance from the challenges that face our generation to the next and that we all can achieve great things.

He’s also writing his testimony through his life’s journey and it is our testimony as well. The principles that Stitchie lives by can be beneficial to others and most certainly for us as artistes from the heart of the ghettos of the inner-city. We are encouraged through Stitchie to hold our heads high in standards of integrity and honor. He’s redirecting the focus of the youths and he is a real teacher to me and so many others in several ways.

This book is a powerful source of motivation and everyone should not only read it but should also own a copy, as this is definitely a chapter in the book of our heritage as Caribbean people.

Universally, Stitchie still speaks the language of the people through his music, literature, poetry, dance and drama in his music videos. Stitchie humbly symbolizes the talent and determination of ghetto youths and demonstrates that we should be satisfied with what we have and use them to our advantage despite our circumstances.

Lindon Andrew Roberts a.k.a. “Half Pint”

International Award Winning Reggae Artiste.

I salute you Stitchie for such an excellent book. I know that you’ve always been a first class dancehall artiste and function at higher levels above your peers, and trust me, because I should know you better than possibly anyone else in our reggae music fraternity, as I was the person who engineered your first number one song, “Wear Yuh Size”, you’re most certainly a trendsetter and this book is evident of your blistering pace on the road of achievements.

As a product of the ghetto, I lift my hat to you for your documenting of your life’s journey so far. It is truly positively motivational, not only to me but to all the other ghetto youths who thought there was no hope other than to pick up a gun. Stitchie what you have initiated by writing this book, has opened the door for other ghetto youths all over the world to do the same for the benefit of current generation to come. This book should be read by everyone whether they are in school or in the work field.

Many people will hear of Stitchie, the dancehall artiste and still do not know Stitchie, the man. What you’ve done my friend is to give the world a chance to see what you’re made of and to renew hope in the hearts of ghetto youths worldwide. Just like Stitchie and so many of us, it can be done; we only have to be determined.

Bobby “Digital” Dixon

The World’s Number One Award Winning Reggae Producer.

Stitchie has been through the business, paid his dues and has set standards that are supreme to this day. The truth be told, he’s still setting new standards today and even higher ones than was previously done. His peers find it real difficult to keep up with him as he’s a true trendsetter.

In God’s timing, Stitchie has again raised the bar in leadership and this book “The Power Of Determination” is a testimony to this truth. This can give several ghetto youths hope that they too have a chance in life, regardless of their current status and circumstance. They too can have their own testimony as a result of what they would have learnt from Stitchie. He has basically set up a road map of success for all ghetto youths. Success doesn’t necessarily mean money, but one could become self reliant and this would mean success. What Stitchie has shown, is that our experiences might be different but the principles once applied and followed can give similar results. They don’t have to re-invent the wheel that Stitchie has contributed to in its making, as they were many before him who made their contribution to this wheel. In short, Stitchie has only added to the testimony of The Power of Determination.

Stitchie has done the right thing in documenting this book for all of us to benefit from, for generations to come. This book is a must have, it is like the Bible for us as ghetto youths with hope, dreams and aspirations.

Roy “Grumps” Morgan Member of The Award Winning International Reggae Group–“Morgan’s Heritage”.

FROM THE DESK OF DR. MYLES MUNROE

To Whom It May Concern: Reference: Cleve “Stitchie” Laing – Recording Artiste – Psalmist

There are only a few times in life when you meet someone that emits the spirit of goodness, purity and sincerity even before they speak a word. Add to this spirit of humility, talent, a gift, professionalism, quality, spiritual depth and a deep sense of purpose and you have the ministry of Cleve “Stitchie” Laing.

I have known Cleve for the past thirteen years and have had the opportunity to monitor his spiritual growth, development and maturity and I’m very proud of him as a husband, spiritual leader, evangelist, musician, songwriter and model. I am so confident in him and his ministry I agreed to appear on his second gospel CD release “Kingdom Ambassador”.

Stitchie has also appeared as a guest psalmist at our global Believers Conference in Nassau where scores of delegates from many nations enjoyed his unique anointed music style. Cleve brings a fresh, Caribbean sound to worship that is captivating and destined to make new waves in the world of gospel music.

I highly recommend him for any opportunity to minister and I am confident that you will and your audience will be blessed, inspired, motivated and drawn into the presence of God by his music, lyrics and high quality presentation to the Father.

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Myles Munroe

President/Senior Pastor BFMI

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DEDICATION

SUMMARY

ENDORSEMENTS

FROM THE DESK OF DR. MYLES MUNROE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

FOREWORD

OVERVIEW 1

OVERVIEW 2

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1 - Where the feet meet the road

CHAPTER 2 - The epitome of strength

CHAPTER 3 - The golden rules

CHAPTER 4 - Beyond the rusted curtains

CHAPTER 5 - Aim or be aimed

CHAPTER 6 - The gift of good friends

CHAPTER 7 - The colors of Politics

CHAPTER 8 - Against all odds

CHAPTER 9 - The year of the firsts

CHAPTER 10 - Swim or sink

CHAPTER 11 - Success is green

CHAPTER 12 - The dark hand

CHAPTER 13 - Changes in the wind

CHAPTER 14 - One hundred and eighty degrees

CHAPTER 15 - Kingdom Ambassador

LYRICALLY SPEAKING

VOICES OF THE PICTURES - Portraits of the ‘Governor’ through the big eye of the camera

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would not have even been a thought in the minds of my parents had it not been purposed by the Giver of life, the Creator of the whole world and the Lover of my soul, the Lord God Almighty. If I were to search all the books and research all the information available in all the libraries in the galaxy, I would fail most miserably in trying to find the right word, possible sentence or phrase to verbalize my gratitude to the Creator for everything that He affords me. I am blessed to be cognizant of the truth that He examines the hearts of men.

With every chapter in my life that was written, if I had to document all the persons who helped me along the road in one way or another, this book would have to be written in several volumes, for the simple reason that there would not be enough space to contain all the names. I never became who I am all by myself, but by contributions and deposits made into my life by everyone who I came across, all to whom I am eternally grateful.

As cohesiveness is one of the nuclei that characterize effective teamwork, credit must be conferred to the love of my life, the orchid in my garden, my wife, Sophia, for her resolute and much needed perpetual support.

Candace and Johanna, Daddy loves you both very much and is forever indebted to you for your affording me the much-needed time away from you guys, to pursue and realize this vision. I’m so proud of you both for demonstrating the spirit of determination in your lives.

The immeasurable contributions of Barrington Pearson and Donald McDowell will be engraved in my memory for life.

Dr. Myles Munroe, you’ve been charged, tried and found guilty of inspiring and motivating me to have written my first book. You’re such an excellent teacher of so many things and I thank the Lord for placing you in my life.

There are many things in life that are far more valuable than money and good friends is just one of them. That’s who you personifies Professor Carolyn Cooper and I thank you for affording me the treasure of your friendship.

To Drs. Peter and Pat Morgan, mere words cannot express your valuable contribution to the growth of my ministry. I love you both like ‘cook food’ and I’m not on a diet.

Professor Rex Nettleford, had one of the most brilliant minds in our region and I am extremely honored and so grateful to have had his advice and endorsement on this project.

Mr. Paul Morris and Mrs. Audrey Watson, you continue to teach me valuables lessons and offer me support to this day, even years after my high school graduation. Thank you both so much.

Former Mayor of Kingston & Andrew, Senator, Councilor and now Member of Parliament for Western Kingston, Desmond A. A. McKenzie, we can both testify to the truth that a man’s gift makes room for him and takes him before great men. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to support me one hundred percent. Who could ask for a better friend?

His Majesty Drolo Bosso Adamtey 1, I am royally thankful for your wise council and endorsement. You’ve been a source of encouragement and inspiration for me. Thank you.

To The Most Hon. Edward Seaga, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, to whom honor is due, it should be given and I give you double honor Sir. I thank you for your service to this beautiful nation and more specific, for the visionary that you are in building Tivoli Gardens High School, thus contributing to my development and the development of so many innercity youths. The continued extension of your love is demonstrated in your involvement in this project, and again, I thank you.

Bobby “Digital” Dixon, Lindon Andrew Roberts a.k.a. “Half Pint” and Roy “Grumps” Morgan, I acknowledge your usual loyal support. I’m so grateful for the oneness that we share. Nuff Respect.

To Attorney-at-law Delano Franklyn, I would like to say thank you for the many ways in which you have supported me whenever I call on you. You’re my friend until God say otherwise.

Dr. Henry Fernandez, there are a lot of people who I’ve met during my diverse walks of life, but there are only a minute number of persons who have left an indelible positive impression on my life, and you are certainly in the top ten of this elite group.

FOREWORD

Success is never the result of luck or shortcuts but always the product of effort, failure, resilience, persistence and determination. Significant achievement in any area of discipline demands commitment beyond discouragement, disappointment and overcoming many fears and regrets. In essence, no one enjoys the sunlight of success until they have weathered the long night of despair, trials and tribulations. In fact I am convinced that successful people are simply failures who refused to quit. It is usually the moment of greatest stress and challenge, when we are tempted to throw the towel in, that the greatest victories are won. I also believe that those who fail at life or a dream do so because they lacked the greatest principle of achievement, determination. Victory belongs to the determined. In this inspiring book Stitchie delivers a treasure chest of antidotes, principles, proverbs and compelling stories of personal experiences that are sure to ignite the spirit of determination in the heart of every reader. Even one who is as self-motivating as I am was drawn to every page and felt the flame of my passion to achieve turn into a blaze. With artful storytelling skill and sound precepts Stitchie offers the reader time-tested practical principles that provide the road map to keep moving toward your dream. I challenge you to explore the wisdom of these pages and ignite the spirit of determination that makes success inevitable.

Dr. Myles E. Munroe

Nassau Bahamas

OVERVIEW 1

This book should eventually become a must read for all young Jamaicans from the inner-city communities who are at the crucial stage of life when they face their fork in the road.

Basically, an autobiography of Cleve “Stitchie” Laing’s life, it is set against the backdrop of life in these communities in the 1970s and 1980s and the environment in which so many of our young, poor, under-privilege youths are still forced to create their own routes for upward mobility.

Like most children in these communities, Stitchie grew up without the support of a father. In fact, in the book he makes the credulous remark that, “I had no father.”

But like most inner-city boys, he had a mother, Imogene Blake, who actually fathered him and his siblings.

She displayed the perpetual, womanly smile even while she “Would mend the fence, dig holes, plant fence posts and run the barb wire.”

His early life was set against a period of tremendous political, social and even economic upheaval in the country, which greatly affected life in his semi-rural community of St. John’s Road, Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

This is where many residents of urban communities, like Trench Town and Tavares Gardens (Payneland), fled during the political violence of the seventies characterized by the division of the nation into those who supported socialism and those who were for private enterprise.

The result was that the rural characteristic of the community was completely changed to reflect the totally urban culture of the new arrivals, and Spanish Town, overnight, had a transition from its usual sleepiness to acquire the vibrancy of a city without the physical, economic or social infrastructure to sustain it.

A victim of this sudden change, Stitchie was fortunate to have relatives and neighbors who believe in the African adage – “It takes a village to raise a child.” This gave him the strength to overcome the many pitfalls which developed and to eventually emerge as one of Jamaica’s best known dance-hall entertainers. Fortunately for him, too, he was multi-talented.

He could have been a top sprinter, having clocked 10.6 seconds in the 100 meters while at Tivoli Gardens High; he could have been a Coach, having excelled at the G.C. Foster College; and he could have been a Teacher, having started out in that profession after his tertiary training.

But, it seems his course, was charted by the hand of God. It led him to the international fame as Deejay/Rapper and eventually to God, after a series of near-death experiences.

After making the most serious decision of his life in 1997 at Reggae Sumfest, when he opted to drop his lucrative secular music career to serve God through his ministry and music, he went through a period of economic decline. But he, eventually, recovered and is now, as he proclaims, “An

Ambassador for Christ…determined to spread the message of the Kingdom of God through music, literature, the spoken Word…”

Stitchie states in the book, “I most definitely believe that we can achieve anything we set our mind to.”

I commend this message and this book to parents looking for material that can inspire their children to strive onwards and upwards, as well as schools, social agencies and adults who need a gush of wind to refloat frustrated wings.

The Most Hon. Edward Seaga

FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA.

OVERVIEW 2

I was not surprised by the title that Stitchie chose for his autobiography – The Power of Determination.

Stitchie’s whole life has been an example of the resilience of our young people and the determination of many of those from the inner-cities to step up from poverty to a life of independence.

My relationship with him goes way back to a time when the culture of the Jamaican inner-city was much less influenced by guns and drugs, and in which the structure of life was built around the family and strongly influenced by moral and religious considerations.

Although we have taken different routes to success, we have always shared the same basic concepts of loyalty to family and community, observance of high moral principles, commitment to hard work to achieve our ambitions and honesty in our dealings with others.

Despite the fact that I have risen to the position of Mayor of the City of Kingston, I still believe that Stitchie’s story is a much more remarkable one and obviously far more interesting to readers.

Having risen from poverty to fame and fortune, as one of the most successful Dancehall Deejays Jamaican music has ever produced, Stitchie went on to shock the society by his sudden and dramatic transformation to Christianity.

I consider myself a Christian and I have always promoted the importance of religious obligations, but Stitchie has made his religion an even more significant feature of his life by becoming a Gospel Artiste, Minister and a virtual religious icon.

His mission now is to win souls for Christ, and he uses this gift of God and his tremendous stage personality to enhance his work in this area of great effect.

In this transformation, he has moved from providing joy for the body to providing joy for the soul. In today’s world, we need all the good role models we can find.

The Jamaican society, for example, has moved culturally from one extreme to another: once a society which upheld the highest moral and social standards, we have watched it slowly degenerated to the level where, in many communities, it is the drug traffickers and gang leaders who have become the models of success.