Florida residents are being urged to support Jamaica this weekend as a group of Jamaican gospel artistes will be performing at a free concert on Saturday in an effort to raise money for Hurricane Melissa relief.

“I think concerning the artistes, our hearts are in a place where we are just ready and willing to help Jamaica…I am so glad to participate and be a part of that,” gospel singer Papa San told Observer Online recently.

Born Tyrone Thompson, the singer is one of the headliners at the concert dubbed ‘One Love Jamaica Rebuild’, set for The Faith Centre in Sunrise, Florida.
The concert is being put on by Dare to Care in partnership with the Consul General of Jamaica, in an effort to raise much -needed funds to help rebuild the island following the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, which devastated sections of the island and left behind an estimated US$7 billion in damage.

The benefit event also features Carlene Davis, Marion Hall, Kevin Downswell and Sharon Wiles.

Organisers and partners include Consul General of Jamaica to the Southern United States, Oliver Mair and Mayor of Lauderhill Denise Grant.

“I think the target goal is to reach US$250,000 to give back to Jamaica, and I know they will sit around the table and really see how it can be channelled and used to make sure that every cent that has been given help those in need, every single cent, and I hope we can even make more than that to help even more,” Papa San said.

Despite the fact that the concert is free to enter, he emphasised that the team is working assiduously to make it a success.

“I know they are talking about merchandising, selling T-shirts, offerings, donations, loading containers and sending out food and all the necessary things needed. We are going to make sure it touches every single life it can touch in the mighty name of Jesus,” the singer said.
Althought admission is free, registration is required to attend and can be done at Onelovejamaicarebuild.org

The organisers will also be collecting essential relief items for the island on the night of the concert.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their donations, and a list of those most needed is available on the website.

Papa San urged Floridians to put their support behind the event.

“They say one one coco full basket and if we come together as one and give and donate it can go a far way. I mean you can clearly see the cause, it’s not a Papa San Show or a Carlene Davidson show, it’s a show we are putting together to help the Island, every dime will be given back to Jamaica. We are looking forward to have a good time,” he said.