Portland singer dreams big despite health setbacks

No longer experiencing the two illnesses that took a toll on his life, Portland native La-Marr Harry is now focused on making it big in music, and on completing his first degree at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester.

The 19-year-old told The Beacon that he was born with Hydrocephalus – a condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the brain, enlarging the head and sometimes causing brain damage.

“I did a major surgery immediately after birth to get rid of that illness; I did another major surgery at age seven,” Harry said, adding that he has recovered from the said brain condition.

Before that recovery, however, Harry, at six years old, was struck by another illness called epilepsy, which is characterized mainly by seizures.

“Doctors can’t tell if the seizures are from the [Hydrocephalus] illness I had from birth,” Harry disclosed. “I had a couple of [epileptic] attacks, but my last attack was in July, 2016. I haven’t had any since then,” he further said.

La-Marr Harry. Photos provided

The youngster, who is optimistic that the illnesses are gone for good, intends to remain focused on making a big difference especially through Gospel music.

He told The Beacon that he grew up singing in his home church – Manchioneal Seventh Day Adventist in Portland, but his music ministry became official on 27 December 2014.

“My ministry became known to many, and then I started receiving invitations to sing at several events across the island,” Harry said.

He added that he, so far, has shared stage with a number of international Gospel artistes as well as his local singing partner Henroy Brown.

“I plan to go a far way in my music ministry,” said Harry, who has been a Christian for 11 years and counting.

He is highly active in church, having served in capacities such as Music Director and Deacon.

The youngster, who is a past-student of Happy Grove High School, is now enrolled at Northern Caribbean University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Management Studies.

By Horace Mills, Journalist

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