Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley copped the coveted Winnie Mandela Humanitarian Award last week.

The eighth leader of the Eastern Caribbean destination claimed the honor named in tribute to one of the world’s most defiant women of the 20th century, becoming only the second recipient since Jamaica Arts Holding (JAH) introduced it as the singular distinction presented to females on International Reggae Day.

“I am happy to be the recipient this year of the Winnie Mandela Humanitarian Award from the July One International Reggae Day organization in recognition of my work — and that of many others who work with me — for climate justice,” the prime minister said.

While her victory lauded the tremendous advocacy she has consistently waged to preserve and restore planet sustainability, her relentless outspokenness against injustice probably named her the distinctive winner of the prestigious prize.

PM Mottley is the first female ever elected to her current position.

Considering the honor was announced on a mid-year, summer calendar date, relegated to a Jamaica-birth genre was not surprising to fans cognizant of the soca/calypso environs in which she was nurtured.

Raised on an island where a festival called Cropover runs a season with jump-up music prevalently dominating the landscape —  Mottley’s prize resonates as a tribute to a respected African woman and exemplifies the range of respect JAH organizers and their global subscribers seem committed to.

In a statement, they explained: “Her tireless advocacy, particularly for small island developing states, stands as a powerful call to action.”

As only the second winner of the honor following the inaugural launch last year when reggae singer Rita Marley nabbed the prize, JAH expounded, saying: “From the podiums of the United Nations to the stages of international forums, Prime Minister Mottley has echoed the ethos of reggae in both tone and principle.”

The trailblazer has never vied for a Grammy award or attempted to rival any of its contenders. However, more often than not, in her recitations to leaders of developed nations, she has quoted the lyrics from the king of reggae to punctuate poignant messages of conviction.

In 2018, PM Mottley admonished delegates to “Get Up, Stand Up.”

Earlier this year, Mottley chose the lyrics from Robert Nesta Marley’s “Redemption Songs“ and “War“ to amplify a message cautioning against social media propaganda, misinformation, and manipulation.

She injected “Don’t let them fool you, or even try to school you“ in the refrain of the discography recorded by the acclaimed legend.

On the 80th anniversary of Marley’s Feb. 6 birth, PM Mottley reflected on the first time she heard the Rastafarian’s lyrics and how it affected her.

She explained that at 12 years old, she felt compelled to act responsibly.

Since then, she has ascribed the empowering lyrics as a call to action; everyone should subscribe because, as the singer said, there is still “so much trouble in the world.“

PM Mottley has received numerous awards. She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement (Champions of the Earth) in 2021.

Time Magazine dubbed her one of the 100 Most Influential People the following year. And the UN presented her with the Foundation Global Leadership Award when the BBC recognized her work as worthy of receiving the 100 Women of the Year award.

In 2022, the Financial Times listed her among the 25 Most influential women. And by 2023, Forbes Magazine ensured the PM joined the ranks of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the world.

On the meaning of the 31-year, 24-hour time-frame dedicated to excellence in reggae music, PM Mottley said: “International Reggae Day represents a genre of music that in many ways reflects the very soul of inspiration for so many of us as Caribbean people.”

More Melba toast and ‘tea‘ from rhythm and blues singer

Tony award winner and four-time Grammy-nominee Melba Moore promises “tea“ and some toast when she returns to 54 Below for a two-night engagement on July 9 and 10.

Renowned for singing a mix of Broadway standards and rhythm and blues hits, she said on her second engagement to the night stop, promises a tribute to Barbra Streisand, Lena Horne, and, on merit, will deliver songs from the classic production — “Ain’t Misbehavin.”

She even plans a meet-and-greet session with patrons afterwards.

Fans of the 1970 best featured actress in a musical winner will recall when she performed ‘From Broadway with Love‘ as a nod to her affinity for music from the Great White Way.

She said on this go round, “It will be more than stories and songs.”

Moore is eyeing a future onscreen. This double-header will pivot to Hollywood or a future in television.

Catch you on the Inside!