Spice honoured in Florida

Queen of the Dancehall, Grace 'Spice' Hamilton, was presented with the Key to the Region of Florida last Friday. The presentation was made in Fort Lauderdale.

Dressed in what has become her signature blue, from head-to-toe, the dancehall superstar was a picture of grace as she walked through the Marriott Hotel North to receive her plaque.

The move was organised by the Vice Mayor Marlon Bolton, Tamarac City's first Black elected official. It was supported by the Jamaica's consul general to Miami, Oliver Mair, and 15 other elected South Florida officials.

Mair told THE STAR that the So mi Like It deejay is deserving of the honour.

"I just want to congratulate Spice on her award and on the work that she continues to do. She is loved by Jamaicans and other nationalities across the world, and I congratulate her again on this," Mair said.

The consul general said that he was happy to support the initiative to honour the internationally acclaimed artiste for her work.

"I always love to represent for Jamaicans doing well, especially our entertainers, and any opportunity that I can get to be part of honouring them, I take. We have honoured several Jamaican icons here - Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Freddie McGregor, Third World. I am always the first to rejoice over the Jamaican artistes who have done so much for us in terms of putting us on the map. They add an element to the culture that helps to pull the community together," Mair said.

In the meantime, Spice thanked God and her supporters for their unwavering support and for being a source of strength throughout her journey. She also said the achievement is a testament to her hard work over the years. She went live during the occasion to share it with her 'besties' on Instagram.

"I wanna take the time out to thank myself for standing here tonight. It was because I never gave up why I am here tonight. Through prayer, hard work and consistency why I'm standing here around people that I never thought I would be among because they told me, as black girl, [that] this was impossible. So I want to thank myself for never giving up and for believing in myself. I am extremely grateful. I am humbled. It gives me honour. This is a historical moment. I do not take it for granted," she said during her acceptance speech.

Last year Spice was crowned Queen of the Dancehall during the 2022 staging of Reggae Sumfest. She recently returned to the stage following a brief hiatus late last year for medical reasons.