The Government has established a National Registry of Volunteers to better streamline the post-Hurricane Melissa response, while a series of I Love Jamaica concerts are planned both here and abroad to raise an initial US$1 million (approx $160 million) for the recovery effort.

At the same time, two former prime ministers — PJ Patterson and Bruce Golding — have been asked to assist with the recovery effort, while former Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair has been tasked with coordinating the response from the Church and faith-based organisations.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange spoke to the developments Monday during a special media briefing at Jamaica House. She noted that “Jamaica faces a long and challenging road ahead, but we will recover and rebuild stronger by supporting those who have been affected and working together.”

Grange also noted the outpouring of support from Jamaicans for those most affected by the Category 5 hurricane, and the many more who want to be a part of the national effort.

“We need you to know that is why we are now launching today the National Registry of Volunteers on the Support Jamaica portal – supportjamaica.gov.jm.

Grange explained that the registry provides a safe and simple way for people to get involved.

“Through this registry you will be able to tell us when you’re available to help, what your skills are, as well as what type of assistance you would like to give,” Grange said.

She cited that individuals may want to assist with food distribution, shelter operations, medical support, counselling, clean-up activities, administration, transportation, among other areas.

“Whatever your skills are, however you want to help, just tell us when you sign up to the registry,” said Grange as she appealed to Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora to get involved.

“Based on when you are available and based on the type of volunteer work that you would like to provide, we will contact you, we will brief, equip and deploy you in an efficient and coordinated way,” the minister stated.

She said the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) and other non-governmental organisations have been invited to sign up on this portal to ensure a joined-up and seamless approach.

With complaints in some quarters that the Administration has been slow in getting critical supplies to people in the hardest-hit parishes, and with concerns about overlap, Grange said, “We will reduce or eliminate duplication and ensure that we get help to those affected by the hurricane.” In this regard, she is urging Jamaicans to “chip in” and “volunteer your time, your skills, your compassion, and your care to this important national effort”.

Grange also issued a call for companies, the Church, youth groups, clubs, and associations to get involved.

“If there was ever a time when we needed all hands on deck, it is now,” she emphasised. People wishing to sign up should log on to supportjamaica.gov.jm, click on volunteerforhurricanemelissa and complete the registration form.

Noting that churches and faith-based organisations have traditionally played a significant role in times of crises, providing comfort and guidance, Grange announced that Bishop Blair has been appointed national coordinator of the religious and faith-based organisations team to engage and coordinate relief efforts with all religious and faith-based groups, including the Rastafarians, Revivalists, Muslims, Hindus, Baháʼí and others.

Significantly, former Prime Ministers Patterson and Golding and leaders in various sectors have been tasked with assisting with the relief and recovery efforts.

Meanwhile, Grange said the I Love Jamaica concert series will see several concerts held in Jamaica and different venues in the United States and United Kingdom beginning this month and stretching into December.

Stating that the magnitude of the devastation caused by Melissa was “unprecedented in our history”, Grange said “therefore, we have to move quickly to secure as many resources as we can to provide the relief that is needed right now”. She explained that the Government, through her ministry, will be partnering with the entertainment industry in Jamaica and overseas to stage a series of fund-raising entertainment events.

The entertainment minister said the concert planned for the National Stadium car park and Mas Camp has been scrapped. It has been replaced by a virtual concert and telethon slated for Sunday, November 16 between 3:30 pm and 10:30 pm. Among confirmed artistes are Christopher Martin, Masicka, and Nigy Boy.

Two concerts are slated for London, the first will be held on Thursday, November 13 from 7:00 pm to midnight at the KOKO entertainment complex. Among the artistes slated to appear are Dizzee Rascal and David Rodigan.

Grange said Wembley Arena has been booked for Thursday, December 18. That event will run from 7:00 pm to midnight. The proposed line-up will be announced shortly. On Sunday, December 7, Shaggy will headline a concert at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Also on December 7, a concert will be held at Miramar Regional Park. The line-up for both concerts will be announced.

Grange said her ministry was also organising concerts in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, DC.

“I Love Jamaica will feature performances by some of Jamaica’s leading artistes as well as appeals by some of our country’s most recognisable and influential personalities who will receive donations and pledges during the telethon,” she said.

Additionally, she said that Caribbean Premier League has been in touch and former West Indies and Jamaica cricketer Chris Gayle will be the face of their campaign which will be overseas.

According to Grange, entertainers and sportsmen and women have responded positively when contacted. She disclosed that Red Cross Jamaica will be partnering with the Jamaica Football Federation and the ministry in coordinating and accepting cash donations at the Reggae Boyz vs Curacao Fifa World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium on November 18. Concacaf President Victor Montagliani is expected to be in attendance.

Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson

Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding

Former Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair