ST JAMES, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has hailed the Issa Trust Foundation for two decades of dedicated service to Jamaica’s children through its annual fundraising concert.

Over the years, the proceeds from the events have been instrumental in supporting health services and programmes to benefit children.

These include the paediatric ward at St Ann’s Bay Hospital and the construction of the Mary Issa Health Centre, a paediatric and adolescent care facility near Richmond, St Ann.

“The work of the Issa Trust Foundation, particularly in supporting the health and well-being of our children, is truly commendable,” the prime minister said.

Holness attended the foundation’s most recent fundraising concert held on May 17 at Couples Sans Souci Resort in St Mary.

The event, dubbed “For the Children”, brought together music, philanthropy and community spirit, underscoring the power of collective action to transform lives.

Holness said the concert, which was headlined by Grammy Award-winning reggae artiste Shaggy and featured Maxi Priest and Lila Iké, was a reminder of the “deep connection between culture and service”.

“More than a musical performance, the concert was a testament to the generosity, talent and compassion that define the Jamaican spirit,” he noted.

The prime minister emphasised the importance of unity in achieving lasting change.

“Events like these not only celebrate our culture but also strengthen our collective mission to build a healthier, more hopeful future for the next generation,” he pointed out.

“It was a joy for Juliet and me to be part of a gathering that showed just how much we can achieve when we come together for a great cause,” he said.

“The impact of the foundation’s work cannot be overstated, and it’s inspiring to see our country’s artists and citizens rally around our children’s health,” the prime minister added.

The evening was filled with unforgettable performances from renowned artistes as well as talented young performers from singer Tessanne Chin’s Voice Box.

The children’s harmonies and heartfelt performances added a layer of emotional depth to the night.

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Issa Trust Foundation, Diane Pollard, shared that this year’s concert was “one of the most powerful and moving events I’ve had the honour to be part of”.

“From the very first note, the energy, love and sense of purpose were undeniable. It was incredibly emotional to see the young stars from Tessanne Chin’s Voice Box perform. These amazing children weren’t just showcasing talent; they were singing from the heart for the children of Jamaica. It felt like a full-circle moment of inspiration and hope,” she said.

Pollard said that all proceeds from the concert will go directly towards the construction of the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Centre.

“We’re creating a place where children can receive world-class care, especially in areas like mental health, cardiology and nephrology, right here in Jamaica,” she noted.

She emphasised the broader impact of the project. “I truly believe this health centre will change what healthcare can look like not just in Jamaica but across the Caribbean. It’s a model of compassion, excellence, and community,” she said.

“I sincerely hope other partners will join forces with us to build something transformative, because no child should be denied care due to where they live or their resources,” she contended.

Wife of the governor general, Lady Patricia Allen, who is patron of the Issa Trust Foundation, hailed the organisation’s work in building the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Centre.

“It exemplifies the best of what we can achieve when we prioritise our children’s health and well-being. I am proud to support this initiative and look forward to seeing it serve generations to come,” she said.

The For the Children concert not only celebrated two decades of impactful service but also set a hopeful tone for the future.

— JIS