Nine years ago dancehall artiste D’Angel hosted her first annual Christmas treat in her home parish of St Catherine. This Yuletide, as the entertainer prepares once again to put smiles on the faces of her community members, she will be doubling her efforts to also jump-start phase two of her hurricane relief.

“My annual Christmas treat will be held in Spanish Town as usual… [I]t has become something the community looks forward to, and I cannot disappoint them,” she told the Jamaica Observer. “The elderly and the children depend on me for this annual treat, and so I am already in high preparation to go out and do that. I’ve been fostering partnerships, getting donations and pushing my own resources into making sure this year happens, despite all the challenges.”

She is hoping to host the treat on December 23, 2025.

The artiste admits that since the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in late October, her primary focus has been on aiding those in the most affected communities across western Jamaica with food, water, and other essentials.

She said, having completed the first phase of her giveback initiative, she’s now pivoted to focus donations on building materials as she hopes to assist individuals in rebuilding their homes.

“[A]s much as food is a necessity, the cry for shelter is just as big, and so I’m moving aggressively into the building phase of my giveback,” the Stronger singer continued. “I’ve partnered with Claudia Watson from Wato Wear, who assisted with some building materials for the first project at the Zion Community in Trelawny, and I’m also working with a lot of single mothers to help rebuild their homes for Christmas and into the new year.”

D’Angel says Christmas has always been one of her favourite seasons and says this year, more than ever, she is looking forward to spreading cheer.

“[G]iving back is one of the greatest feelings ever, and I have experienced the joy people have when they receive help, and that’s priceless,” she said, adding that, “It has been a great feeling seeing my co-workers and others pouring in to those in need to help Jamaica, and it goes to show that we love and care so much for our island, and we nah mek it guh dung, ” she said.

— Shereita Grizzle