As members of the entertainment fraternity step in to assist parishes that were most impacted by Hurricane Melissa, over 300 residents of north-east St Elizabeth benefited from donations made by dancehall artiste QQ.

On November 1 the entertainer visited the communities of Siloah, Thornton, among others to distribute care packages prepared from approximately 500 pounds of rice, 400 pounds of flour, 400 pounds of sugar, 20 cases of water, as well as canned items — such as mackerel, tuna, sardine, corned beef — and snacks for children.

“I felt compelled to give back to the people who have poured into me for the 21 years that I have been in music. They have given me so many opportunities, and this was my opportunity to repay them in whatever way I can,” QQ told the Jamaica Observer.

He added: “In terms of the community, I chose them specifically because of familiarity. I know that St Elizabeth was damaged and the focus was on the people of Black River who have been greatly devastated — whose damage we aren’t minimising at all — but, I felt like I needed to go [to] North-East and support other places in St Elizabeth to let them know that they’re not alone, ‘You’re not forgotten, help is here, and more help is on the way.’ This way they can feel better and more comfortable.”

The artiste, who is popular for tracks such as Stukie, Rum Ram, One Drop, and Tip Pon Yuh Toe, added that the recipients were pleased with the assistance.

“The feedback was positive. Everybody seemed thankful [and] appreciative… They seemed grateful for life and that somebody remembered them and came to help. So that was a big deal! I am elated at the fact that I was able to just lend some type of support,” he said.

QQ also said that he is happy that so many members of the industry, including promoters and TikTokers have, so far, been giving back.

On a broader scale, he is encouraging everyone to remember that unity is needed during this time.

He has already begun preparing to provide assistance to other parishes like Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, and St Ann.

Meanwhile, he is encouraging all Jamaicans at home, and overseas, to remain optimistic during the process.

“Keep holding the faith. With Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm. Not everybody is able to smile right now with all the devastation, but we will again. We just have to come together. Everything counts; don’t think that your contribution is too little,” QQ said.