When Willie Stewart came up with the concept for a song that empathized with Jamaicans in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, making the charts was the furthest thing from his thoughts.

But that song, ‘Have A Little Faith’, topped the South Florida Top 25 Reggae Chart for four weeks in May. Released in February, it features an all-star cast, assembled by the former Third World drummer.

“Number one for four weeks is a feeling that it is time to find our faith within, not to give up, and keep the fire of hope burning alive no matter what you are going through,” said Stewart. “Health issues, financial issues, or work issues. Whatever it is, just don’t give up on hope and your dreams and you will pull through.”

 He wrote ‘Have A Little Faith’, as well as co-produced the track with Sean Wedderburn. Stewart is also co-executive producer with Steve Lane.

The song features Leroy Sibbles, Carlene Davis, J C Lodge, Gem Myers, Dwisdom, Glen Washington, Wayne Armond, Alecia Marie, Carl McDonald and Patrick Ulysees Pinkney.

“I must thank everyone involved in this production for their time and effort and support. This song carries a simple but heartfelt message that the world can relate to,” said Stewart.

 Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28. The Category 5 system caused severe damage to the island’s southwestern region, resulting in over 40 deaths and $8 billion in damage.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL