Police probing robbery at MoBay entertainment company of late musician Jackie Jackson

As the family of late Jamaican musician Clifton ‘Jackie’ Jackson was making preparations to bury their patriarch, thieves broke into his Montego Bay entertainment company and stole valuable stage production, lighting and sound equipment.

The equipment was reportedly stolen on October 22, but the theft only came to light four days later, when it was needed for a tribute concert in Kingston honouring the celebrated bassist.

The discovery added to the anguish of Jackson's daughters, who were already making final preparations for their father's funeral, which was held at the St James Parish Church in Montego Bay on Saturday, October 31.

“It is disheartening for the Jackson family to have experienced this while planning the funeral of our patriarch and the founder of this company,” the family said in a statement issued Wednesday.

The stolen equipment belonged to Jackie Jackson Entertainment, which more recently operated as Jackson Incredible Musical Experience, the company established by the late musician.

Despite the setback, the tribute concert proceeded as scheduled on Tuesday, October 27, after another entertainment company, Vere Events, stepped in at short notice to provide replacement equipment.

“We thank Vere Events for their support and everyone who made it possible for the show to go on,” said Jackson's daughter, Jhanine.

Her sister, Jheanell, also expressed appreciation for the police response.

“We are also deeply grateful to the Jamaica Constabulary Force for their professionalism and urgency,” she said.

The theft was reported to the Barrett Town police in Rose Hall, St James, on October 27, triggering an investigation that has since resulted in the recovery of most of the missing equipment.

According to the family, a significant portion of the stolen items was recovered on Sunday, November 1, just one day after Jackson's funeral.

Additional lighting equipment was recovered the following day, November 2.

However, three Harbinger speakers are among the items still missing.

Courtni Jackson, another of the musician's daughters and a representative of the company, confirmed that efforts were continuing to locate the outstanding equipment.

The family has not disclosed the value of the stolen items or indicated whether anyone has been arrested in connection with the theft.

In its statement, Jackson Incredible Musical Experience said it was cooperating fully with the police but would not comment further on the circumstances of the incident while investigations continued.

The theft has cast a shadow over an already difficult period for the family, which only days ago joined musicians, relatives, friends and admirers in celebrating the life of a man whose bass guitar helped define the sound of Jamaican popular music.

Jackson, whose musical career spanned decades, was remembered during his thanksgiving service for his contributions to reggae and his influence on generations of musicians.

The family has thanked members of the entertainment fraternity and its partners for their support and has appealed for privacy as they continue to mourn.

Anyone with information about the theft or the whereabouts of the outstanding equipment is being asked to contact the Barrett Town police at 876-953-7899 or Crime Stop at 311.

Janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

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