“Anyone who’s ever had a great time in Jamaica, give ten dollars, give one dollar. Anything you can. But do it right now.” —Sean Paul
Hurricane Melissa had a catastrophic and devastating impact on Jamaica, making landfall as an extremely powerful Category 5 storm, the strongest in the island’s recorded history. The entire island was declared a disaster area by the Prime Minister and the toll in lives and property damage is not yet known. Severe flooding, landslides, island-wide power and telephone outages, and blocked roads are hampering relief efforts. Many hospitals, clinics, and schools sustained damage, and the agricultural heartland was severely affected, raising concerns about long-term food security. In western and southern parishes like St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Manchester, nearly every structure was damaged or destroyed, particularly in the town of Black River. Popular tourist destinations like Montego Bay and Trelawny were hit hard. “People are homeless. They have no running water, can’t bathe,” says Jamaican superstar Sean Paul during an interview on CNN. “How people are surviving is almsost impossible.” Links to Support Jamaica After The Jump…
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Sean is just one of many top reggae artists who are stepping up to spread the word and lend their time and resources to the urgent recovery effort. Shaggy is also on the ground working with Food for the Poor to distribute much needed food and other supplies; he also provided 20 Starllnk transmitters to provide internet connectivity and allow better communication with local relief workers and loved ones overseas. The Bob and Rita Marley Relief Foundation raised in 24 hours and announced that 16,000 meals are enroute. The Ghetto Youths Foundation founded by the Marley Brothers, has also stepped up with an effort to donate “Hope for the Babies,” by supplying care packages filled with supplies to help mothers and young children. Spice, Jamaica’s Queen of the Dancehall, wasted no time getting her Grace Hamilton Foundation involved, posting an email address where people affected by Hurricane Melissa can contact her team directly to request support. Masicka and his MADE Foundation were out in the streets distributing life-saving supplies in hard-hit areas while Beenie Man‘s rescue team helped to clear roads in St. Elizabeth and hand out supplies at a local hospital. Reggae legends Buju Banton and Barrington Levy have joined forces to bring in cargo planes of relief supplies. The first shipment of 50,000 pounds wortth of supplies arrived within days of the storm’s impact “Make sure say you go and donate now to keep the culture alive,” said dancehall star Shenseea. “This is not a joke thing.” Romeich Entertainment, the managment team behind Shenseea, Ding Dong, and other top Jamaican artists, has been active all over the island, mobilizing their street team to save lives. Rising Dancehall star Skeng popped up in St. Elizabeth with a 40-foot trailer filled with lumber, nails, tools, and other building equipment, backed by Trini-bron rap icon Nicki Minaj, who has collaborated with Skeng and brought him out as a surprise guest during her tour. Bounty Killer and DJ Khaled have joined forces to provide releief under the umbrella of the We The Best Foundation. Meanwhile Vybz Kartel announced the launch of the Adidja Palmer Foundation and making good on his pledge “Jamaica I’m coming home” by organizing relief efforts, focused on hard-hit areas in Western Jamaica. Popcaan’s foundation has been actively helping people all over Jamaica, especially in his home parish of St. Thomas even before Melissa—and now the work continues. Our friends at Irie Jam Radio in New York City have organizated a Jamaica Strong Radio-Thon to mobilize this part of the disapora to pitch in and support Jamaica’s recovery effort. And let’s not forget tthat the good people at Montego Bay Animal Haven are looking out for all creatures great and small—including dogs and cats and cows and other living things. Hard times have a way of bringing out the best in all of us. One of the most inspiring statements so far came from a Jamaican-born woman who has lived in America for 45 years. “I’ve packed my bags, I’ve sold my house,” she said in an IG post, “and I’m on my way home to sweet, sweet Jamaica.”
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For anyone who loves Jamaica, its people, its culture, and its music the time to help is RIGHT NOW. Here is how you can help.
Support Food For The Poor JA
Contribute to SupportJamaica.Gov.JM
Support American Friends of Jamaica
Support The Bob and Rita Marley Foundation
Rebuild The Montego Bay Animal Haven
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