KINGSTON, Jamaica — Following the May 17 staging of the Issa Trust Foundation For the Children charity concert held at Couples San Souci in St Ann, the completion of the Mary Issa Paediatric and Adolescent Health Centre is moving closer to reality.

All proceeds from the concert, which featured international recording artiste Shaggy, Lila Ike and Voice Box, went to the completion of the facility, which will benefit residents of Richmond and surrounding communities in St Ann.

Chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, Paul Issa is passionate about the project, and he told Observer Online on Thursday that he has approached companies and individuals to assist with the completion of the facility.

“I’m very passionate about the Mary Issa Paediatric and Adolescent Health Centre, and the matter at hand is raising funds to complete it. These kinds of projects don’t often happen because the cost is too much for one company to take on. And that’s why we are currently approaching companies and individuals to become Legacy Donors and be recognised as members of the Founders’ Circle – with donations of US$100,000 ($16 million) or more,” said Issa, while noting that the facility will provide care for residents on the North Coast.

“This centre will be a real benefit to the young people of the North Coast area, providing much-needed primary care in both physical and mental health. The structure is complete, and we are now in the process of raising funds for its completion. We hope to get it up and running as soon as possible,” said Issa.

The annual charity concert continues the foundation’s impressive legacy of hosting high-profile events that have significantly contributed to Jamaica’s health infrastructure.

Past events have included international performers such as Air Supply and Michael Bolton, as well as local acts Third World, Tarrus Riley, Tessanne Chin and Koffee, which have collectively raised millions of dollars.

These funds have been instrumental in supporting critical projects like the paediatric ward at St Ann’s Bay Hospital and the ongoing construction of the Mary Issa Health Centre.

The foundation’s efforts have garnered widespread support, demonstrating a powerful commitment to improving health outcomes for Jamaican communities.