KINGSTON, Jamaica — Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange says her ministry will be leading a series of fundraising concerts on the island and across the world to support Jamaica in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Melissa.

The minister said the five concert series dubbed “I Love Jamaica” would feature some of the island’s “best reggae artistes and musicians as well as friends of Jamaica” with all proceeds going towards the national recovery programme.

“We have been hit hard by this very powerful hurricane, which took lives and in which many of our citizens lost everything. We face a long and challenging road ahead, but we will recover and rebuild stronger with support and by working together,” said Grange.

The first concert is scheduled to take place on November 14 at the National Stadium Car Park in Kingston, beginning at 7:30 pm.

The ministry is finalising arrangements for other concerts to take place in London, New York, Toronto and South Florida.

“As we have done so many times before, we turn to our music, our reggae music, which has proven to be a healing balm and elixir at times of trouble and distress for not only Jamaicans, but for the world,” Grange said.

The concert series is part of a wider programme being led by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport to build morale, lift the national spirit and encourage volunteerism for the long recovery.

“With our culture, entertainment, sports and religious communities, we will be reaching out to those most affected by the hurricane and mobilising volunteers to participate in the recovery programme.

The ministry will continue to work closely with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and other government and private-sector entities to establish a registration process and mobilise volunteers.

“There is much to do, but many hands make light work. Each of us can do something to help, and so we encourage everyone to do what they can. Every little act will make a difference,” said Grange.