Funds raised from ‘Melissa’ concerts rolling in
An estimated $200 million has been raised by the reggae industry for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa recovery, according to Olivia “Babsy” Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport.
Grange disclosed that figure on January 21 during the launch of Reggae Month at J Wray & Nephew Ltd’s offices in New Kingston.
She said $64 million, raised through a November 23 Telethon in Kingston, has been lodged to the Government’s Support Jamaica website.
In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, the minister revealed that funds from events overseas will be donated to that portal once required banking procedures are complete.
“All the funds raised will go to Support Jamaica, the funds raised overseas may take a little while, but it’s all earmarked for Support Jamaica. The funds from New York are being transferred, and the funds from Hard Rock are being processed,” said Grange.
Several fund-raising shows were held in the US, Canada, and United Kingdom to assist people affected by the Category 5 hurricane which hit Jamaica on October 28. The major events were Jamaica Strong at the UBS Arena in Long Island, New York on December 3, and Stay Strong Jamaica, held at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Plantation, Florida, on January 2. Both attracted big names like Shaggy, Marcia Griffiths, Wayne Wonder and Inner Circle.
Approximately US$500,000 was raised from the New York show. Returns from the Florida concert will be disclosed shortly.
A handful of events for Reggae Month will be held in Montego Bay and Negril, areas that sustained considerable damage from Melissa.
On February 1, there is a wreath-laying ceremony at National Heroes’ Park to mark the birthday of Dennis Brown, who died in July 1999. Five days later, a live concert takes place at Emancipation Park to celebrate the birthday of Bob Marley.
On February 27, the fifth Reggae Gold Awards takes place at the National Indoor Sports Centre. This event focuses on the 60th anniversary of rock steady, the dance genre that preceded reggae.
At the launch, Etana was announced as Reggae Month’s first ambassador. The singer performed several of her hit songs, including Reggae, Jah Jah Blessing, and Warrior Love.
— Howard Campbell
