KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rising dancehall sensation Jay-A Gullyside, alongside his 1Nato team, embarked on a humanitarian mission in St Elizabeth over the weekend, distributing over 85 care packages to elderly residents and those left homeless and destitute by the devastating Hurricane Melissa. The artiste, visibly moved by the widespread destruction, described the scenes as heart-wrenching. ‘It was an emotional experience for me…the devastation…just to see it up close. We saw decaying bodies in communities around Black River, dead animals, and the overwhelming stench was unbearable,’ Jay-A recounted. The team ventured beyond Treasure Beach, providing aid in Southfield and focusing on areas severely affected beyond Black River, including Billy’s Bay and Jack Sprat. Jay-A painted a grim picture of the aftermath: downed trees, demolished homes, and communities isolated by stagnant, foul-smelling waters. ‘Some people lost everything. I saw mothers begging for diapers. These are proud people, farmers, and fishermen who are used to self-sufficiency, now reduced to begging. It’s heart-breaking,’ he shared. One particularly poignant moment involved a Rastafarian man who lost his boat and saw his parents’ graves washed away. ‘All he could say was, ‘Thank God I am alive, give thanks for life.’ It was very touching,’ Jay-A recalled. The mission was cut short in Goshen, where floodwaters forced the team to retreat. ‘Goshen is still in bad shape. We encountered water and had to turn back. People are still trapped in their homes,’ he explained. Despite the challenges, Jay-A spent time comforting residents, listening to their harrowing survival stories, and offering hope. ‘I’m not rich, but I hope the little I gave can inspire others to help. I love my country, Jamaica,’ he said. Jay-A, known for his collaborations with dancehall icons like Mavado and Dexta Daps, demonstrated that his commitment to his community extends beyond music.