Family says Byron Lee is still fighting for his life

Byron Lee is loved throughout the Caribbean and beyond, so news of his ill health spread like wildfire. But a report by Kaieteur News in Georgetown, Guyana late last week has perhaps strengthened the life of the soca legend and musical sensation. The news service reported that Lee, who was diagnosed two years ago with stage-three bladder cancer, had succumbed on October thirtieth, at the Universal Hospital of the West Indies in Jamaica. News Five has since confirmed that this is not so and that while very ill, Lee is still alive.

Yesterday, Lee’s children wrote a missive to clear the air saying that their dad is alive and bravely fighting for his life. According to the family, the rumors which started in Canada are false and they ask the public not give up on him.

Lee received the fourth highest honor, the Order of Jamaica by the Jamaican Government while in his hospital bed. At the presentation, Prime Minister Golding identified Byron Lee and the Dragonaires as “an institution that has made an impact on the lives of many people.”