Dancehall King Beenie Man is on the receiving end of some bad press over the last two weeks. The “Rum & Redbull” deejay, who is going through a divorce, will not receive the much hyped New York Proclamation.
In a release to the media, New York City Council Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie (D-27th District), noted that “there have been several news reports generated which alleged that I would be presenting a New York City Council Proclamation to dancehall reggae artist Beenie Man. This report is untrue …”
The release further states that Councilman Comrie is aware of the event, as he has “worked with the concert promoters to secure the site for this event and support their efforts to host a safe, enjoyable and entertaining day for the residents of Southeast Queens.”
He pointed out that his office has not made any announcement of such action, as would have been the norm. And, in an interview with chatychaty.com, the councilman’s public relations officer, Rance Huff, pointed out that their ofice would have been the one to send out a release of that nature.
“If Councilman Comrie were making such a presentation, then our office would have sent out the release, as we have done in the past,” Huff noted, adding that he was surprised that responsible media in Jamaica could have carried such a release without consulting their office. “The release did not even have a comment attributed to Councilman Comrie. Shouldn’t that have alerted media houses in Jamaica to confirm that this is in fact so.”
Huff added, “And we would more than likely have made the presentation at City Hall in a more formal environment, rather than at a concert.”
Bobby Clarke of Irie Jam Radio and also the organizer of Reggae Rhythm & Blues 2011, also issued a statement.
“We apologize for the error and for any damage it may have caused his office. This is now behind us and we are now focused on putting together the best concert possible at the inaugural Reggae Rhythm & Blues Concert slated for Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York on Labor Day Sunday, September 4, 2011.”
