BELOVED comedian, poet, actor and culturist Henry Rodney received a sum of just over a million dollars on June 29, 2016, for aid with his current medical condition. Henry, who has heard from some nine doctors and has done both a CT Scan and an MRI, but is still unsure of what exactly is his ailment, was yesterday surrounded by his friends and fellow artistes who donated all the proceeds made from the “Rukatuks” show. The show, which was held on Saturday, June 25, 2016, was a benefit concert put together by the friends and fellow artistes of Henry Rodney, to raise this tremendous sum of money due to great support from the public, the free use of the National Cultural Centre and free performing actors.
Ms. Sheron Cadogan-Taylor, co-coordinator of this fund-raising activity handed over the money raised to Rodney yesterday at the Cultural Centre. In addition to this money raised, there was a donation from the Royal Glass and Aluminum Works on Cummings Street, Alberttown and a small donation from Ms. Daniels and the teachers of School of the Nations. Speaking at this event also was Ms Margaret Lawrence, who along with Ms. Cadogan-Taylor spoke about the compassion of the artistes who performed for free for their friend and they noted the contributions of many other persons such as Mark Jacobs, Teachers of Queen’s College, persons from the Ministry of Finance, among many others.
Henry Rodney, who suddenly became ill recently, expressed many thanks to everyone who helped him, even those who had sent warm, encouraging words. Though frail in appearance, he still managed to upkeep his jovial personality as he spoke and did not fail to thank God for the people around him. He said he was “so moved” and that, “Caring people… kind people are still left in this world.”
Henry Rodney is looking into his condition to firstly uncover what has happened to him, as he says, “Knowing is better.” Though he may need more money and is appreciative of all the efforts of his friends, he is not worried. He is currently engaged in finding a specialist.