'Rest well Reggae Ambassador'

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange has hailed Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore as "a unique talent who could truly be described as 'The Reggae Ambassador'".

In a press release, Minister Grange said that Coore's passing "is a tremendous loss".

The distinguished musician and pioneering co-founder of the legendary Third World Band died at home on Sunday night. He was 69

"I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. I know his wife Lisa, his children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen and Ashley, and his grandchildren must be devastated. The Government and people of Jamaica are grateful to them for allowing ‘Cat’ Coore the time to share with us his gift of musical excellence. I also extend a special word of consolation to the musical colleagues who worked closely with Cat," Grange said.

She noted that with Third World, Coore delivered hit songs including Reggae Ambassador, Now That We Found Love, 96 Degrees in the Shade, and Try Jah Love.

"It should also not be forgotten that before he co-founded Third World, Cat Coore was an integral part of the successful reggae group, Inner Circle. It is no surprise that he was the recipient of a number of awards, including the Order of Distinction. We will miss ‘Cat’ Coore’s presence, but there is no doubt that his legacy will live on and continue to inspire current and future generations of musicians. Rest well, Reggae Ambassador," the release ended.