Thirty-two Rastafari organisations have united to launch the Relief, Rebuild & Rise (RRR) fundraising webathon.

Born of the urgent realisation that the mainstream disaster-relief response to Hurricane Melissa has left many in their community behind, the event chronicles a historic move toward communal self-reliance as national recovery efforts continue.

Citing a systemic failure to address culturally specific requirements such as ital dietary needs and the restoration of sacred community hubs, organisers are hoping to raise some US$500,000 during the February 1st event.

Speaking with Observer Online, Ras Biah Evans, co-chair of the Rastafari Mansions and Organizations (RMO), shared that the Rastafari community has always prioritised independence as a means of survival.

He expressed that while there is a sense of support being extended to the community, members have specific needs, and thus, they have to look after their own.

“Over decades, the Rastafari community has been practising its principle of self-reliance and also survival as a marginalised group. Mainstream support like Food for the Poor, Central Kitchens or even public shelters are unable to meet the dietary, health and cultural needs of the community, so Relief, Recovery and Rebuilding for the Rastafari community has to be led by the Community itself,” he said.

Sister Samantha Fagan, executive secretary of the RMO, agreed. She expressed that when her team reached out to the entertainers billed to perform at the webathon, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive as they were eager to assist their brothers and sisters.

“As Rastafari always say, solidarity begins at home. So many entertainers are either Rastafari themselves or working closely within the reggae industry, centrally influenced by Rastafari. So when they see a Rastafari-led relief initiative reaching out for a strength, it’s an automatic green light,” Fagan said.

Julian Marley performing on board the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise on Monday. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

Set to turn in blazing performances are Grammy-winning artistes Julian Marley, Gramps Morgan and Kabaka Pyramid, as well as Ghana’s multi-Grammy nominee, Rocky Dawuni. Sister Carol, Yami Bolo, Jah9, Spragga Benz, and Hempress Sativa are also scheduled to perform.

When asked his thoughts on this landmark unified movement, Marley said, “It’s the togetherness that will make us resilient. I’m hoping open hearts around the world show urgent support.”

Taking place at the onset of Black History and Reggae Month, the historic fundraiser will be streamed live on RDDM Media. A launch and webathon watch event will be held at the Bob Marley Museum starting at 10:30 am.

Event organisers say the US$500,000 they’re hoping to raise will go towards rebuilding five Rastafari centres damaged by the category five storm. Those centres they expressed will serve as bases to ensure relief and recovery efforts reach the most vulnerable in their community.

Dr Kerida McDonald, RMO public relations officer and former senior advisor for the United Nation

“Rastafari has always been about black man redemption. Once the centres secure strategic support to build forward stronger, the Government and Humanitarian agencies can look to these centres as trusted community based organisations that will have capacity to play a strategic role in Jamaica’s recovery and rise efforts, especially in the area of food security through ital farming, livelihood opportunities,” said Dr Kerida McDonald, RMO public relations officer and former senior advisor for the United Nation.

Once immediate needs are met, organisers say they will turn their attention towards the construction of several new buildings capable of withstanding future hurricanes.

“Temporary rebuilding has already begun with available materials, including zinc and fallen light poles. But our main interest is to find local and international partners willing to provide financial and technical support to support Rastafari centres and homes to rebuild with disaster-proof designs so our focus can remain on development,” said first man Edward Wray, one of the founding members of RMO.