VETERAN reggae group Third World is headliner for ‘For The Children’ charity gala slated for Sony Hall in New York City come November 12. The event is being spearheaded by the Issa Trust Foundation.

According to Diane Pollard, president of the foundation, the group was the perfect choice.

“We are thankful and humbled that Third World agreed to be the foundation’s reggae ambassadors. Third World is one of the longest-lived reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaica’s most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. Mixing in elements of R&B, funk, pop and rock and, later on, dancehall and rap, Third World’s style has been described as reggae fusion. This will be an amazing evening!” Pollard told the Jamaica Observer.

Organisers are looking to raise US$200,000 to build a health centre in Richmond Estates, St Ann.

Pollard said there is a dire need for a medical facility for residents within the area.

“The facility will fill a critical health-care gap in the St Mary and St Ann parishes by providing primary care for children and adolescents in an atmosphere that engages both patients and families in multifaceted, holistic services that address physical, mental, and social support needs. In addition to offering preventative and curative paediatric care and adolescent services, the centre plans to operate specialty clinics such as cardiac, nephrology, gastroenterology, mental health support, oncology, vision, and hearing tests. The centre will also serve children and adolescents from other regions on the island, as well as offer rotation programmes for US doctors to partner with local Jamaican doctors. We will also provide free eye exams, make our glasses at the clinic, and provide the glasses at no cost,” she explained.

The Issa Trust Foundation was established in 2005 by Couples Resorts as a non-profit organisation. The mission of the foundation is to provide a system of prevention, health promotion and education, community health improvement and other services to promote the well-being and development of the Jamaican people.

In the meantime, Pollard is appealing to the public to lend their support to this worthy cause as the country continues to grapple with a health crisis.

“Anyone who cares for our future generation should partner and support this very important initiative. For children, the right to health is vital because they are vulnerable, more at risk to illness and health complications. When children are spared from disease they can grow into healthy adults and, in this way, contribute to the development of dynamic and productive societies. In Jamaica we want to provide the children with a healthy mind and body so they can excel and reach their dreams and goals,” she expressed.

Formed in 1973, Third World is a nine-time Grammy-nominated band and is known for hits like Try Jah Love, 96 Degrees In The Shades, Now That We Found Love, and Roots With Quality.