HONORING SHAGGY IN CELEBREATION OF REGGAE MONTH

HONORING SHAGGY IN CELEBREATION OF REGGAE MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E181] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING SHAGGY IN CELEBREATION OF REGGAE MONTH ______ HON. SHEILA CHERFILUS-McCORMICK of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Shaggy in celebration of Reggae Month. I include in the Record the following proclamation: Whereas, reggae music represents the heartbeat of Jamaican culture and continues to serve as a powerful global force for unity, creativity, and cultural expression, celebrated annually during Reggae Month in recognition of the artists who have elevated the genre worldwide; and Whereas, Shaggy, born Orville Richard Burrell in Kingston, Jamaica, has become one of the most internationally successful reggae and dancehall artists of his generation, bridging Jamaican roots with global mainstream appeal; and Whereas, with iconic hits including ``It Wasn't Me,'' ``Boombastic,'' ``Angel,'' ``In the Summertime,'' and ``Oh Carolina,'' Shaggy has achieved worldwide acclaim, bringing reggae and dancehall to international charts and audiences across continents; and Whereas, his album Boombastic earned the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1996, and his collaborative album 44/876 with Sting earned the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2019, marking multiple decades of sustained excellence and global impact; and Whereas, a proud Jamaican-American and veteran of the United States Marine Corps who served during the Persian Gulf War, Shaggy's journey reflects dedication, discipline, and perseverance, qualities that have shaped both his life and career; and Whereas, in recognition of his cultural and artistic contributions, he has been honored with the Jamaican Order of Distinction at the rank of Commander and awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Brown University; and Whereas, through decades of music, philanthropy, and international representation of Jamaican culture, Shaggy continues to inspire new generations and expand the global influence of reggae music; and therefore, be it Resolved, That we, Florida's 20th Congressional District, proudly honor Shaggy in celebration of Reggae Month, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to reggae and dancehall music, his service, his cultural leadership, and his enduring global impact. ____________________