Reggae to provide healing power after Melissa - Gov’t announces five city ‘I Love Jamaica’ fundraising concerts

Some of Jamaica's most celebrated reggae entertainers are set to take the stage for a five-concert series titled 'I Love Jamaica', aimed at raising funds to support the island's recovery efforts in the wake of the devastating Hurricane Melissa.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport under the leadership of Minister Olivia Grange, will see concerts staged locally and internationally, with all proceeds directed toward the national recovery programme.

"We have been hit hard by this very powerful hurricane which took lives and in which many of our citizens lost everything. We face a long and challenging road ahead, but we will recover and rebuild stronger with support and by working together," said Grange.

The first staging of "I Love Jamaica" will be held on November 14, at the National Stadium Car Park in Kingston, starting at 7:30 p.m. Additional concerts are being planned for London, New York, Toronto, and South Florida.

Grange said the series will feature some of the island's "best reggae artistes and musicians as well as friends of Jamaica".

The concert series forms part of a broader programme being led by the Ministry to uplift national morale, encourage volunteerism, and foster unity across communities affected by the storm.

"With our culture, entertainment, sports, and religious communities, we will be reaching out to those most affected by the hurricane and mobilising volunteers to participate in the recovery programme," Grange explained.

She said her ministry will also work in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and other public- and private-sector entities to coordinate volunteer registration and organise relief efforts.

"There is much to do, but many hands make light work. Each of us can do something to help and so we encourage everyone to do what they can. Every little act will make a difference," said Grange.