Lt Stitchie in hospital, family appeals for help

Veteran deejay Lieutenant Stitchie has been reportedly hospitalised in Kingston after suffering a debilitating stroke on Tuesday.

Dave Rodney, his former manager, told the Jamaica Observer that the entertainer’s family confirmed his hospitalisation. Rodney, however, could not confirm the extent of his illness.

“There’s been talk that he suffered a stroke, but that’s up to the doctors to determine. There’s been no official statement,” said Rodney.

News that Stitchie was devastated by a “severe brain haemorrhage” did the social media rounds early Tuesday, and that his family had set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for his medical care.

Rodney, who managed Stitchie’s career from 1988 to to 1995, said he last spoke to the 58-year-old toaster several weeks ago and that he was upbeat about new projects.

“Our conversation was about music and he was eager to work on a new album,” Rodney disclosed. He said he was aware of Stitchie having “medical issues this year” during a show in Canada.

A former athlete and schoolteacher, Lieutenant Stitchie (real name Cleve Laing) cut his musical teeth on the competitive sound system circuit in Spanish Town, his home town, during the early 1980s alongside other aspiring artistes such as Papa San, Wickerman, and Major Worries. In 1986, he got his mainstream breakthrough with the hilarious Wear Yuh Size, followed by Natty Dread, another rib-tickling hit.

He signed to Atlantic Records in 1988 and released three albums for that label, including the well-received Wild Jamaican Romances.

In 1997, Lt Stitchie became a born again Christian and has since recorded a number of inspirational albums and songs.

The GoFundMe appeal found on https://gofund.me/ae226c03 states:

“Dear family, friends, and well-wishers,

“We are reaching out to you during this incredibly challenging time. Our beloved Cleve “Lt Stitchie” Laing, a husband, father, and friend, has recently suffered a severe brain haemorrhage that has left him unresponsive.

“We urgently need you to join us to provide the help needed in a long-term care facility, where he can receive rehabilitation care. Your donation will make a difference by bringing hope to Lt Stitchie and his family during this difficult time. Your generosity and prayers mean the world to us. We are very grateful for your support to help cover the costs of his transfer, medical care, and living expenses in the long-term care home. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference and bring hope to Cleve and his family during this difficult journey.

“Please consider contributing to this campaign and sharing it with others who may also be able to help. Your generosity and prayers mean the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for your support.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”