Carlene Davis-Cowan humbled by UTech doctorate

For songbird Carlene Davis-Cowan, receiving an accolade for her lengthy body of work was both a humbling experience and one that confirmed that God's blessings are abundant and always delivered right on time.

The Stand Up for Jesus artiste was conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Letters ( Honoris Causa) by the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja) at its graduation ceremony on February 1. Recognising her stellar contributions to music, ministry, and humanitarian service, the university highlighted her achievements over the decades, thereby stating that this was a servant of the people with whom they are indeed pleased. Dr Davis-Cowan could not have asked for more and told THE STAR that she is very grateful as she looked back over her hard work and the many challenges, and is encouraged to press on.

"Truthfully, when I was told, it took a while to sink in. I said God is truly amazing. What I do is out of purpose with the hope that I make a contribution to humanity. So I say to God be the glory, He is the one who works on the heart of man to have conferred this doctorate."

For Davis-Cowan, who already holds a PhD in pastoral counselling, being involved in musical ministry, one can only hope for a positive impact.

"Why I do what I do is linked to what I was born to do. For over 20 years, I have been an integral part of Fun in The Son with my husband, Tommy Cowan, impacting and transforming lives. We have made significant sacrifices, both physically and financially, to change lives for the better through the preaching and ministering of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We continue to support Christmas projects in the Trench Town areas, and recently we've worked in the Nightingale Grove community of St Elizabeth and will continue this, especially because of the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa," she said.

Having recommitted her life to Christ in 1996, she said the journey has been a blessed one.

"It is faith first, especially having overcome cancer. Also, I've been recognised with several local and international awards over the years and produced over 25 studio albums."

Her music, both secular and gospel, she feels, still resonates with listeners because people recognise the genuineness of it.

"Sincerity is key; if I don't believe it, I won't do it. Yes, in the past, I did the song Stealing Love as I really saw it as a hit. I've gone back to the studio and did a remake to express my true feelings, same melody, with new lyrics, Praising God, and also an extension of that same song dedicated to my husband, I'm Still in Love. I strive for quality, not gimmickry," she said.

"When I recommitted my life to Christ, I never knew it would be tough, but as I go through more and more, I've come to know that without Christ in one's life, you're like a rudderless ship being tossed about. God created music, and we must give our best. Things of quality have no fear of time."

For Valentine's weekend, the Heart of Love celebration at the Starliner Seafood Restaurant, Plantation Village, Priory, St Ann, takes centre stage, and later Dr Davis-Cowan heads to Florida to receive the Marcus Garvey Award from the City of Miramar. It's then on to Dominica for a major gospel concert.

"And, of course, I will be bringing the gospel, Easter Sunday on the Love & Harmony Cruise. I will always give the best of myself, continue to pursue my assignment to know Christ and make Him be known."