Tasha T

‘Hope For Jamaica: A Community Hurricane Relief Concert’, showcasing Canada’s top reggae acts, takes place on November 6th at the Jamaican Canadian Association in Toronto. It will raise funds and relief supplies for people in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The Category 5 hurricane struck the Caribbean country on October 28, destroying homes and infrastructure in rural areas. Hardest hit were St. Elizabeth parish in the south, and Westmoreland and St. James parishes in the west.

At the time this story was posted, the Jamaican government reported that 19 people died as a result of Melissa, which also impacted Haiti, Cuba, and The Bahamas. It is the most devastating hurricane to hit Jamaica since Hurricane Gilbert in September 1988.

A statement from promoters of ‘Hope for Jamaica: A Community Hurricane Relief Concert’ said the magnitude of the tragedy in Jamaica cannot go unnoticed.

“Jamaica needs us now more than ever. In response to this national crisis, members of the Jamaican community in Canada have stepped forward to make a difference. Some of Canada’s most talented artists are lending their voices and their hearts to lead ‘Hope for Jamaica: A Community Hurricane Relief Concert’ — a night of unity, healing, and support,” the statement read in part.

Some of the artists confirmed for the event are multiple Juno Award winner Exco Levi, Blk Orchid, Jimmy Reed, Tasha T, Tony Anthony, Lazah Current, Akustix, and Jazmin Headley.

The Jamaican Diaspora in the United States and United Kingdom have contributed significantly to the relief effort by donating food, water and survival supplies. 

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL