His philanthropic spirit has earned Romeich Major the title of Jamaican Santa Claus.

So when Hurricane Melissa pummelled the western end of the island and destroyed houses and left hundreds without a livelihood late last month, he sprang into action.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen with this hurricane, but we knew it wasn’t going to be easy because it was a Category 5 [strength]. We didn’t even have a plan, we just knew we had to help, and by the grace of God we got up and started rebuilding and God sent angels from all over to help and guide us,” he said.

The noted businessman stressed that he has not been acting alone in his efforts.

“We just started working from there. This is my counter and I come from a background where I don’t know what it feels like to be hungry. Still, I couldn’t get all that I wanted so I know what it feels like to need things and God has blessed me with all these strong relationships with all these companies and artistes that I’m in a very good position in life to help and that’s what I’ll always do,” Major continued.

His efforts post-Melissa have been met with praise, not only from his entertainment industry peers but from his fellow countrymen. Prime Minister Andrew Holness also had audience with him to offer commendations for his efforts.

This comes as Major seemingly recovers from the backlash of an altercation last December which resulted in several individuals calling for him to be ‘cancelled’.

Assault allegations resulted in major counterblast for the businessman after two popular TikTokers were reportedly injured during a brawl at Mas Camp.

Major, who was in the eye of a social media firestorm, later issued an apology for the incident.

He charged that he has always held onto the love for his fellow Jamaicans, even during that difficult period.

“In life, as humans, we do things we regret because no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. But even though the focus was on the negativity, a lot of people spoke to me, a lot of people reached out, and that drew me closer to family and friends,” he said. “I don’t take anything in life as negative, because everything negative comes as a teaching experience.”

When COVID-19 forced the country into a shutdown in 2020, Major was among the first to spearhead giveback initiatives. Not only did he distribute hundreds of care packages that year, but he also served up a memorable Christmas for several children when he treated them to gifts.

This time around his relief efforts involved going on the ground with trucks of necessities, including food, water, tarpaulins, and work equipment.

The businessman and his team also assisted with road-clearing efforts during their site visits as he interacted with those most affected. He said the entire experience has left an mark on his life.

“A disaster like this, when you go into communities, you see people stressed and damaged mentally and physically. They’re going through a lot, but that doesn’t stop them from being happy to see you and grateful for the help. Jamaican people nuh matter what we go through, we always have a smile,” he said.

As he enters the next phase of his relief efforts, Major said he and his team will now turn their focus to rebuilding. This will involve sourcing materials to reconstruct destroyed homes and schools.

To that end, he is encouraging Jamaicans locally, regionally and internationally to donate to the cause.

To further advance the cause the Jamaican Santa Claus has re-purposed his upcoming birthday celebrations, scheduled for this Saturday, as he will be donating all bar proceeds from the event.

Dubbed Street Dance, the event is set for Campbell’s Boulevard, the headquarters of Romeich Entertainment.

Admission is free, but bar support is highly encouraged.

The event is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 pm and will run until 2:00 am.

MAJOR…we just knew we had to help, and by the grace of God we got up and started rebuilding and God sent angels from all over to help and guide us.