The first ever Marlin Online Voting was organized and managed by veteran Jamaican radio personality and media consultant Arnold Kelly and his Caribbean Hour organization. Kristine beat out an impressive list of nominees that included Gotee Recording artist Ayiesha, Christian Massive, Monty G, Nigel Lewis, Stitchie, Omari, St.Matthew and Isaac Blackman.

The Bahamian Praise Team, the Mount Tabor Praise & Worship team won the second online award, this time for ‘Record of the Year’. The team won the award for ‘Don’t Do It without Me’, an original composition that features the vocal contribution of world-renowned singer, author and pastor, Bishop Paul. S. Morton. Their home church based in Nassau, Bahamas, Mount Tabor Full Gospel Baptist Church is a member of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International and their senior pastor Bishop Neil C. Ellis serves as the second Presiding Bishop.

Voting is scheduled to begin January 2009 and is expected to close Sunday March 15th 2009. Individuals will be able to log onto the Caribbean hour website and look at album covers as well as listen to audio clips of each of the nominees in these two categories. Individuals will only be able to vote once in each category.

“We are extremely excited about teaming up with Arnold Kelly and Caribbean Hour to launch this new and exciting aspect of the Marlin Awards. The vision of online voting has been burning within my heart for sometime now and the executive board and committee including myself are just overjoyed that we will finally experience the realization of this dream” according to Marlin Awards President Kevin Harris.

The new categories that are being introduced are “Artist of the Year” and “Record of the Year”. This will serve as the first time in Marlin history that lovers and supporters of Caribbean Gospel artists and their music will have a direct opportunity to cast their ballot for the artist and song of their choice. All other awards will be distributed for “Outstanding” achievement and are determined by a select panel of judges comprised of recording artists and other industry professionals.

The Marlin Awards is encouraging all Caribbean Gospel artists including all nominees to spread the word to as many people as possible about this new voting opportunity and wish all nominees all the best.

Voting for Artist of the Year and Record of the Year will be done at www.caribbeanhour.com.

For a complete list of the first ever online nominees Click Here.