The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has congratulated Isidore "The Mighty Dow" York on his Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held over the weekend. The SCDF also recognized local super star Addison "Shadow Man" Richardson who was a presenter at the event.
"The Mighty Dow has shown that he is indeed 'Mighty' and now the world and his peers have recognized that fact," President of the SCDF Stuart Johnson said. "He is an icon here on St. Maarten and his position and influence on Caribbean culture and music has now been recognized, and well deserving too," Johnson said.
Johnson said Dow's contributions to Carnival on St. Maarten over the years cannot be measured. " How can you put into words what his participation year after year meant to St. Maarten's Carnival? He has guided many young people in the art of pan music, calypso and road-march music. He has offered countless hours of advice and constructive criticism because he loves our fete. The SCDF and we are sure many Carnival lovers out there are grateful for the selfless work Dow has done for Carnival," Johnson said.
The SCDF President closed by congratulating Dow's extended musical family as well as the people of St. Maarten. "Dow's award is for St. Maarten as much as it is for the artist. The SCDF hopes that St. Maarten will recognize the importance of this award and honor and say thanks to Dow in a similar way. If we support our own, they are inspired to go on to make great music and great contributions to culture. One day perhaps Shadow Man or another artist from St. Maarten will be recognized for their body of work the way Dow has been this year," Johnson concluded.
The Mighty Dow is the reigning Road March King for Carnival 2011. He has won the Road March title and Calypso Monarch title on several other occasions.