Administrators of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino presented a cheque for US$400,000 to the Jamaican Government recently. The funds were raised from the Stay Strong Jamaica concert held at that venue on January 2 to benefit victims of Hurricane Melissa.

The Category 5 hurricane struck Jamaica’s west end on October 28, causing widespread damage in the parishes of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, and Trelawny. Forty-five people were killed.

David Hoenemeyer, chief operating officer of Seminole Gaming, said given the large Jamaican presence at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the organisation was compelled to assist by hosting the star-studded event.

“With so many Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming team members from Jamaica, including more than 300 at our Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood property alone, this Hurricane Melissa relief effort was truly personal for us. From our team members to our guests, everyone came together with one goal, to help the people of Jamaica recover and rebuild,” Hoenemeyer told the gathering, which took place at the venue in Hollywood, Florida.

In attendance at the handing-over was Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport; Christopher Benjamin, board member of the Jamaica’s Promise organisation; and Oliver Mair, Jamaica’s consul general to Miami.

“Jamaica is deeply grateful to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming, and their team members and guests for their generosity and commitment to Jamaica’s recovery. This major contribution will make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Jamaicans who lost so much to Hurricane Melissa, and with partners like Hard Rock Heals Foundation standing with us, we know Jamaica will rebuild stronger than ever,” said Grange.

The Stay Strong Jamaica event featured top artistes including Shaggy, Julian Marley, Inner Circle, Marcia Griffiths, Wayne Wonder, and Etana. It took place three weeks after the Jamaica Strong benefit show at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York.