André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Courtney Cooke was a hit at the Jamaica Gospel Festival Street Blocker, held at the Leiba's Esso Tiger Mart in May Pen, Clarendon, on Saturday, June 30. - Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer

Courtney Cooke lives by his philosophy 'to strive for excellence and persevere through challenges'.

Having lost his sight at age 17, he was able to look beyond his adverse circumstance and pursued training in the field of information technology with the intention of taking care of his family. He is now one of the finalists in the 2007 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) National Gospel Song Competition with Gi Mi Pass.

"I was surprised, but I know I have a chance. Di people dem love me and I put my best into it," he said.

Overjoyed

Cooke has been writing songs for years and he entered the gospel competition in 2001 as well as the Popular Song Competition the following year. He did not make it out of the early rounds in his first two attempts and, as can be imagined, he is overjoyed now that he has made it into the top 10.

"I record and produce di song myself and have it put down until a musician said to me one day that I should enter the JCDC competition," Cooke said.

Some 16 years ago, an object hit Cooke in one of his eyes but he left the injury unattended. Neglect caused him to lose sight in both eyes. But when the The Gleaner caught up with Cooke, he was on his way to a corner shop to purchase what he was going make for dinner. As if that is not enough, Cooke also washes, cleans and carries out other errands for his family.

"I use to live with my grandmother in the country and she teach mi to do all dat. It still in the back of my head. People in the community seh mi a ginnal but mek dem gwaan talk," he said. "My wife is a nurse at KPH and I also take care of her too."

He said he has been out of a job for a few years but never loses sight of the fact that God has brought him a long way, blessing him with a child and a wife. Surely he would like to win the competition and, according the Cooke, his roadshows have been going well. He remains hopeful.

"Father God brought me this far and I am waiting for him to bring me further at the right moment. Father God already grant me a slice of the cake and I know I will make it forward," Cooke said.

Courtney Cooke along with a backg round vocalist. - Contributed