In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Jamaican gospel star Kevin Downswell has spearheaded a remarkable humanitarian initiative, uniting fellow gospel artistes, volunteers, and everyday Jamaicans to aid those displaced by the storm. Over the past three weeks, Downswell and his team have been actively providing relief across western Jamaica, offering not just material support but also emotional and spiritual comfort.
Downswell recounted the immediate response to the disaster: ‘Right after the storm, I reached out to several gospel artistes, urging us to pool our resources and act swiftly. People needed more than food—they needed prayer, strength, hope, and solidarity.’ During the first week, Downswell, alongside gospel artistes John Mark Wiggan and Prince Saj, visited St. Elizabeth, distributing care packages and partnering with companies like KFC to amplify their efforts.
The second week saw the team in Montego Bay, St. James, where they addressed the aftermath in areas like Catherine Hall and Bogue Heights. ‘We listened, encouraged, and prayed with the affected families,’ Downswell shared. The mission continued into Westmoreland, where communities such as Baeston Springs and Paradise received much-needed support. Each trip ensured supplies for 250 people, including toiletries, cooked meals, and non-perishable goods, with significant contributions from Ziggy’s and KFC restaurants.
Downswell emphasized the importance of personal connection: ‘Listening to their stories and offering a hand to hold means the world to them. Even if we don’t pray, just being there to listen has been a special part of this journey.’ The initiative has been a collective effort, with gospel artistes like DJ Nicholas and Chevelle Franklyn contributing despite being unable to join in person.
‘This is a true collective effort,’ Downswell stated. ‘What one couldn’t provide, another did. We’re showing up week after week to ensure no one feels forgotten. We love our nation and its people, and we’ll keep going—one community, one family, one prayer at a time. Together, we’ll come back stronger.’