HERONPlaywright/producer/actor David Heron has received one of the highest accolades of his career, with the announcement that the New York City Council will honour him with a tribute and proclamation as part of the city's Jamaican Independence celebrations for 2006.
Heron and author Colin Channer are among several other Jamaican individuals and organisations that will be fêted at a glittering public ceremony to be held at New York's City Hall in downtown Manhattan on Tuesday, August 8.
The event is the brainchild of Jamaican-born Brooklyn Councilwoman Yvette Clarke, who has made the presentations as part of Jamaica's Independence festivities for several years.
Previous honourees include: former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Lennox Lewis, supermodels Tyson Beckford and Naomi Campbell, and actors Dule Hill and Delroy Lindo.
remarkable career
In a formal letter from Councilwoman Clarke's office, Heron was cited for his "... remarkable theatrical career" and was hailed as "an individual who continues to make significant contributions towards the betterment of our society."
This year's honourees include New York Times best-selling author and Calabash founder, Colin Channer, fashion designer Courtney Washington, filmmaker Selina Blake, student Saleem Josephs and the Jamaican charity organisation JAMPACT.
first major role
Heron received news of the honour in Washington DC, where he is currently shooting the feature film Zora's Dream, an independent production expected to be in cinemas next year. It is his first major role in a theatrical film.
Heron admitted to being "humbled and excited by the honour," but stated that "every one of the producers, directors, actors and crew members who have worked on my productions during my career have played their part in this moment. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude to them all."
