Lifestyle November 12 2026

Something Extra | Thursday

Updated 4 hours ago 1 min read

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  • Miss World 1976 Cindy Breakspeare beams with pride as she celebrates her son, Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley. She brought her sense of style to the occasion in a black-and-white colour-block, square-neck dress, accessorised with vibrant bangles and tassel- Miss World 1976 Cindy Breakspeare beams with pride as she celebrates her son, Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley. She brought her sense of style to the occasion in a black-and-white colour-block, square-neck dress, accessorised with vibrant bangles and tassel-drop earrings. Photo - Nathaniel Stewart
  • Miss World 1976 Cindy Breakspeare beams with pride as she celebrates her son, Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley. She brought her sense of style to the occasion in a black-and-white colour-block, square-neck dress, accessorised with vibrant bangles and tassel- Miss World 1976 Cindy Breakspeare beams with pride as she celebrates her son, Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley. She brought her sense of style to the occasion in a black-and-white colour-block, square-neck dress, accessorised with vibrant bangles and tassel-drop earrings. Photo - Nathaniel Stewart
  • Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley shares a moment with fellow honorary Doctor of Letters recipient and Queen of Reggae, Dr Marcia Griffiths, who was conferred with the honour earlier this year. Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley shares a moment with fellow honorary Doctor of Letters recipient and Queen of Reggae, Dr Marcia Griffiths, who was conferred with the honour earlier this year. Photo - Nathaniel Stewart
  • Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley is in distinguished company as he poses with Dr Dodridge D Miller (left), chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, and Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, vice-chancellor of the institution. Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley is in distinguished company as he poses with Dr Dodridge D Miller (left), chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, and Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, vice-chancellor of the institution. Photo - Nathaniel Stewart
  • Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley shares a sweet snap with his mother, Cindy Breakspeare, following his honorary degree conferment. Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley shares a sweet snap with his mother, Cindy Breakspeare, following his honorary degree conferment. Photo - Nathaniel Stewart
  • Miss Universe Jamaica 2020 Miqueal-Symone Williams and entertainer dBurnz are among the attendees snapped in the audience at The University of the West Indies’ Mona graduation ceremony. Miss Universe Jamaica 2020 Miqueal-Symone Williams and entertainer dBurnz are among the attendees snapped in the audience at The University of the West Indies’ Mona graduation ceremony. Photo - Nathaniel Stewart
  • Celebrating a fellow reggae star, reggae singer Tarrus Riley is among the familiar faces who turned out to celebrate Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley. Celebrating a fellow reggae star, reggae singer Tarrus Riley is among the familiar faces who turned out to celebrate Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley. Photo - Nathaniel Stewart
  • Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley takes a moment to soak in the significance of the moment as he is presented to the graduating class and audience. Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley takes a moment to soak in the significance of the moment as he is presented to the graduating class and audience. Photo - Nathaniel Stewart

Grammy Award-winning reggae star Dr Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley was among 13 distinguished Caribbean and diaspora figures honoured this year by The University of the West Indies (UWI) with honorary degrees.

Recognised for his contribution to Caribbean culture at its 2026 graduation ceremony at the Mona campus on Saturday, Marley celebrated the occasion in true musical fashion, treating the capacity crowd to performances of Road to Zion and The Mission.

For the artiste, who once attended the university for extra lessons while preparing for his Caribbean Examinations Council examinations, the conferment was a particularly meaningful full-circle moment. And as the proud smiles and star-studded company showed, it was certainly a family and friends affair.

Something Extra brings you the highlights.