KINGSTON, Jamaica — European Union (EU) Ambassador to Jamaica, Dr Erja Askola, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Jamaica, recently hosted a jazz concert to assist students who were affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The concert featured European saxophonist, composer and arranger, Pekka Pylkkänen, alongside Jamaican pianist and composer Orville Hammond, accompanied by Leon “Mandela” Duncan on bass and Clayon Samuels on drums.

In a press release on Tuesday, the organisers said the event brought together partners and stakeholders to celebrate music, culture and solidarity in support of children affected by Hurricane Melissa.

It follows UNICEF reports that months after Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, thousands of Jamaican children are still living with its consequences, with some learning in tents or damaged classrooms, sharing textbooks and coping with interrupted routines.

During the event, Askola emphasised the significant role of music and culture in diplomacy and development.

“Through history, jazz has connected people across continents. This evening is about music, but it is also about solidarity,” she said.

“We are therefore grateful to partner with UNICEF Jamaica, whose work for and with children makes a tangible difference in the lives of people across the country,” Askola added.

UNICEF Representative to Jamaica, Olga Isaza, shared her admiration for the resilience demonstrated by the children affected by the disruptions and trauma caused by the October 28 hurricane.

“We have supported psychosocial care for more than 1,500 children and are working to repair and climate‑proof schools and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities so that the next storm does not steal their future again, but we are not there yet,” she noted.

Added Isaza, “In too many communities, access to quality education is still constrained by damaged classrooms, intermittent water and electricity, and the sheer cost of getting children back to school.”

Funds raised from the concert will support UNICEF programmes focussed on helping children directly affected by Hurricane Melissa. Donations will help UNICEF provide essential assistance to children and will be directed to the areas of greatest need in Jamaica.

The concert offered a unique opportunity for patrons to enjoy performances by renowned musicians from Europe and Jamaica in an intimate outdoor setting. It underscored the EU’s commitment to people-to-people connections and cultural exchange.

From Left Herbie Miller, Director and Curator, Jamaica Music Museum (JaMM); Dr.
Orville Hammond, Jamaican pianist and composer; Dr Erja Askola, EU Ambassador
to Jamaica; European saxophonist, composer and arranger Pekka Pylkkänen; Ms.
Olga Isaza, UNICEF Representative to Jamaica; Leon “Mandela” Duncan; and
Clayon Samuels – members of the Orville Hammond Trio.