After 18 years in prison, Lloyd Reece has the mental toughness of a railroad track. He's not willing to let the odds overcome him and even after failing to take the top spot in last year's National Festival Song competition, he's throwing his hands into the ring once again. He wants the top prize.
Reece's entry this year is titled 'Miss Jamaica'. Derived from his great imaginary powers, he sings of the ideal Jamaican woman. The song was produced by Stage Records.
He spent 12 years on death row, convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to hang. He had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment in 1994 and since then he has been trying to make sense of his life.
He has become a Christian and a member of the All Saints Apostolic Church in Spanish Town.
Reece is hoping he will soon get a reprieve from the Governor-General so that he can make a purposeful contribution to society.
"I want to be a great person for my country. I have great dreams and aspirations and I would really like to be able to live them," he said.
This is his fourth time entering the competition. His entry 'One Love JA' placed second last year. This year, he got the chance to leave prison and record his own demo tape which was used in the selection process. But his involvement in the competition last year afforded him the opportunity to leave the prison on various occasions and he actually got to see family members he hadn't seen in a long time.
"I have been encouraged to have faith and keep on believing. When people put so much trust and confidence in you, the last thing you would want to do is let them down, he said.
The performer is experiencing a bit of difficulty these days as he sometimes has problems getting to his various engagements because of the shortage of prison personnel.
"I understand and I have to live with it still, you know. I am very thankful that I am being given the opportunity to do this most of all," he said.
Andrew Clunis
