In a powerful display of national solidarity, Jamaica’s entertainment industry rallied for a monumental cause this Sunday. The ‘I Love Jamaica Telethon and Virtual Concert,’ orchestrated by the Ministry of Entertainment and Culture and held at the National Indoor Sports Centre, successfully mobilized the nation’s top talents to aid victims of the devastating Hurricane Melissa.
The event transcended a typical benefit concert, evolving into a digital and telephonic fundraising hub. An impressive roster of nearly 30 performers and celebrities, including global icon Usain Bolt, dancehall superstar Sean Paul, and government ministers Christopher Tufton and Dana Morris Dixon, personally manned phone lines to secure pledges from a compassionate public.
The financial outcome was profoundly impactful. By press time, the initiative had galvanized support to the tune of approximately $66 million Jamaican dollars. This sum comprised $45,765,495 in confirmed deposits to the official ‘Support Jamaica’ account and an additional $19,970,000 in solemn pledges, demonstrating widespread commitment to recovery efforts.
Cultural Minister Olivia Grange expressed profound gratitude, stating, ‘We extend heartfelt thanks to every individual on the island, in the Diaspora, corporate Jamaica, and global citizens who are rallying to support our brothers and sisters hardest hit by this powerful hurricane.’
The musical performances provided an emotional core to the event. Songbird Tessanne Chin delivered a poignant set, including a heartfelt rendition of ‘We Shall Rise Again’—a song originally dedicated to Haiti relief. She reflected that her performance was a crucial reminder of Jamaican resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.
For many artists, the cause was deeply personal. Tarrus Riley shared that his family in New Market, St. Elizabeth, was directly affected. Rising artiste Yaksta revealed his own farm was decimated, stating, ‘We lost acres of crops… but wi have life and we have to pick up the pieces.’ This personal connection fueled passionate performances across genres, from the gospel inspirations of Carey Sayles and Chevelle Franklyn to the energetic dancehall anthems of Beenie Man, Ding Dong, and Govana.
The telethon underscored a unifying message: beyond the immediate financial aid, the event served to strengthen national morale. As artiste Jahshii noted, participation was mandatory regardless of schedule, emphasizing a collective duty. The public can continue to contribute to the national hurricane relief program via www.supportjamaica.gov.jm, japromise.org, or through designated text messaging services.