(For this special celebration of Mother’s Day in Jamaica’s 60 year, the entertainment desk showcases some of the women who have made outstanding contributions to the fields of music and culture)

The history of VP Records is defined by passion for music as well as building and maintaining relationships. Vincent and Patricia Chin – the ‘V’ and the ‘P’ – a husband and wife duo, started out as small entrepreneurs until they were able to open what would become the iconic retail store in the music industry, Randy’s Records Shop at 17 North Parade in downtown Kingston.

The Chins then emigrated to the United States in 1977 and Patricia Chin, affectionately known as Miss Pat, proudly states that in her suitcase for this momentous trip was her music and culture, the ingredients they used to build a formidable empire. reggae. VP Records became a major player in the music industry as producers and wholesale distributors of reggae, establishing supply lines for record stores across North America and becoming the premier distributor Jamaican and Caribbean Music World.

Miss Pat has firmly cemented her place as one of the mothers of this musical nation. Legendary PA system owner and record producer Lloyd ‘King Jammy’ James and young Romain Virgo were eager to praise Miss Pat for Mother’s Day.

“Miss Pat played a very important role in the Jamaican music industry because you rarely find women leading our music, but she was like a mother to everyone in our music. If you go see Miss Pat in about any problems you have with something, after you tell Miss Pat about it, she talks to you softly in a very gentle way and resolves it.Miss Pat is very loved and she is also very respected by all the people in the music industry. God bless her and keep her very safe. Thank you, Miss Pat, you are one in a million.

Describing Miss Pat as ‘one of the most energetic older ladies I know’, Romain confessed she made him realize that age is just a number.

“Miss Pat is always helpful, always encouraging, not just musically but also personally. She always has my family’s best interests at heart. She is someone I truly look up to. We are her very grateful. Lots of love to Miss Pat. She’s definitely a hero in my books,” he shared.

Calling her “a woman I truly admire, respect and love”, her eldest son Chris said he saw how his mother led by example, was always ready to help and treated people with respect.

“From my youth until now, my mother has always been there for us. Us isn’t just our immediate family, it’s the community and the reggae industry. Growing up, my brother and sister always saw the caring and loving side of our mother which showed in the way she encouraged us to explore the avenues we were interested in. It was my mother who trained me in this trade… During her life, my mother overcame many challenges, including that of excelling in a male-dominated industry.

“As an adult, I’ve seen the appreciation her contribution has generated, the admiration from her peers for the way she balances family, and her commitment to continue working in the business, even at the age that she has now.

“We are lucky to have her with us today as she takes on new roles of grandmother and great-grandmother. I am so proud of her for sharing her life journey through his book, Miss Pat: My journey into reggae music. The world now has a more personal understanding of how she built this empire. Our industry has grown and flourished thanks to my mother, Miss Pat Chin, her legacy is one we are proud of,” said Chris. The Sunday Gleaner.

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