Mitzie 'Brown Sugar' Campbell. - file

WESTERN BUREAU:

JOY HAS returned to the community of Bogue Hill in Montego Bay, St James, in more ways than one.

It is celebrating the unprecedented success of their neighbour, singer Mitzie 'Brown Sugar' Campbell - the 2009 Digicel Rising Stars winner.

But prior to the announcement last Friday night, Bogue Hill was forging steadily towards togetherness with the weekly 'Brown Sugar Wednesdays', organised by the singer to support her three-month journey in the talent competition.

"Her being in the competition bring back oneness in the community since the 'Brown Sugar Wednesdays' session. Community unity is here and I want that to stay," said shopkeeper Livingston Stone.

Pure excitement

Stone, whose shop became the unofficial headquarters for viewing the weekly televised competition, told The Gleaner that Bogue Hill erupted in celebrations on September 12 when Brown Sugar grabbed the Digicel Rising Stars title.

"In front the shop did full a people, some don't even come from up here. It was pure excitement with the pot cover dem a knock. We all proud," said Stone.

Bogue Hill experienced periods of unrest earlier this year and had been placed under the microscope of the St James police.

The community faces the major challenges of unemployment and lack of infrastructure to facilitate skills training.

Hope for community's exposure

Sixty-seven-year-old Evelyn 'Miss Polly' Hunter hopes that Brown Sugar's win will bring well-needed exposure to the area.

"We really need some help up here, especially for the young people," commented Miss Polly, who boasted of knowing the singer "before she born".

Another resident, Verona McIntyre, is thrilled at Brown Sugar's recent accomplishment.

"Mi feel good about the win. It will push us further in terms of self-confidence, especially among the children," said McIntyre.

Shaun Martin was at a loss for words in explaining the joy he felt at his neighbour's success, and said he bought phonecards weekly to help with Brown Sugar's votes.

"I can't find enough words to express my feelings. What I know is that 'Brown Sugar Wednesdays' united the community and we want the session to stay."

Brown Sugar is hoping that her win will encourage persons to fulfil their dreams

"I want the youths of my community to gain self-confidence from my win and strive towards their dream, no matter how small," she shared.

nagra.plunkett@gleanerjm.com

Shop operator Livingston Stone (left) and Shaun Martin watch television inside Stone's place of business at Bogue Hill in Montego Bay, St James, yesterday. - Photo by Nagra Plunkett