In a heartfelt response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican country-reggae artist Wesrok embarked on a mission to assist affected communities. On November 8, he distributed over 600 packages of essential non-perishable food items and toiletries to residents in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Hanover. These regions, located in southern and western Jamaica, bore the brunt of the Category 5 hurricane that struck the island on October 28, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
Wesrok, speaking to Observer Online, emphasized the profound impact of witnessing the devastation firsthand. ‘Seeing the destruction up close is entirely different from watching it on television,’ he remarked. ‘I couldn’t continue to live peacefully without reaching out to these people. With the support of close friends, I dug deep into my own resources. Our efforts were driven purely by love—we even sacrificed our own food to help those in need.’
Accompanied by his team from the Wesrok Downtown Youth Foundation, an organization active for over a decade, Wesrok personally led the relief efforts. Dressed in his signature dark suit and cowboy hat, he brought hope to communities grappling with the aftermath of the hurricane. St Elizabeth, a vital agricultural hub in Jamaica, was particularly hard-hit, with its main commercial centers, Santa Cruz and Black River, suffering severe damage. Farms, homes, roads, and businesses were also devastated, compounding the challenges faced by residents.
The hurricane claimed 32 lives, with many of the fatalities reported in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Wesrok, a former police officer turned musician, has been a beacon of resilience and compassion. His song, ‘Ride Cowboy Ride,’ has earned a provisional nomination for Best Country Solo Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards, further highlighting his multifaceted contributions to society.