KINGSTON, Jamaica — Promoters of the Jamaica Strong concert are banking on a full turnout at the UBS Arena in Long Island on December 12 to raise over US$1 million, which will go to Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa.

A formidable cast of acts including Shaggy, Sean Paul, Inner Circle, Marcia Griffiths, Kevin Downswell and Richie Stephens are expected to perform at the event, which is co-produced by Jammins Entertainment, Irie Jam Radio and RoadBlock Radio.

Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Radio, told the Observer Online that organisers set their financial target once Jamaica Strong was officially launched.

“Our target for the concert is to raise at least US$1 million. That is our baseline, not our ceiling. The need is enormous, and every dollar matters,” he said. “The more we can raise, the more immediate relief we can deliver and the stronger the foundation we’ll be able to lay for long-term recovery and rebuilding.”

Veteran show promoter and booking agent George Crooks is head of Jammins Entertainment. He said Shaggy was the first artiste approached for Jamaica Strong; once he agreed to perform, everything fell into place.

“Shaggy was very responsive to the suggestion, sharing his concerns about the situation and his own personal efforts which were being undertaken to assist. With Shaggy on board and very vested in the idea, it was easy to attract other artistes who also shared common interests and a strong sense of community to support the project,” Crooks disclosed.

The UBS Arena, which seats a capacity audience of 17,000, has been a happy hunting ground for Jamaican acts in the past year. In July 2024, Buju Banton’s Long Walk To Freedom show played to a full house, while last May Beenie Man drew a strong turnout at the venue.

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28 and caused severe destruction in rural parishes, mainly St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James and Trelawny. The Category 5 storm demolished homes, hospitals, farms, businesses and resulted in the deaths of 45 people.

– Howard Campbell