Overwhelming support for Hurricane Melissa relief concerts

By Neil Armstrong

Photo by Colin Caleb

Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton turned out in droves last week to support two events held in Toronto and Hamilton aiming to help thousands of Jamaicans whose lives were severely affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Hundreds attended the “Hope for Jamaica” concert at the Jamaican Canadian Centre in Toronto on November 6, that saw approximately 1,000 people passing through the event. Earlier in the day, some were volunteering to pack barrels and boxes as they galvanized to help their compatriots in the island.

The centre is a drop-off location for non-perishable food items, personal hygiene kits, and other essentials from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Held under the patronage of Marsha Coore Lobban, High Commissioner of Jamaica to Canada, and organized by the Jamaican Canadian Association and Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Canada, the concert featured more than 30 artists and was attended by the high commissioner; Dale Jones, counsellor at the high commission; Kurt Davis, consul-general at Toronto; Mayor Olivia Chow; Charmaine Williams, associate minister of women’s social and economic opportunity, and other dignitaries.

“The tremendous support at the Hurricane Benefit Concert meant a great deal to Jamaicans in the diaspora. It was more than just an evening of music and togetherness – it was a powerful expression of unity, love, and responsibility toward their homeland.

“For many, the outpouring of support reaffirmed the deep emotional and cultural ties that connect Jamaicans abroad to Jamaica, regardless of distance,” said Dr. Sylvanus Thompson, Chair of the planning committee.

In Hamilton, the concert was an inspiring show of solidarity and compassion from the community.

The event was a collaboration among the Jamaica Foundation Hamilton (JFH), Afro-Canadian Caribbean Association (ACCA), and Hamilton Women’s Group (HamCar).

“The Hurricane Melissa Benefit Concert was a true testament to the power of unity and collaboration,” said Winsome Plummer, president of the Jamaica Foundation Hamilton.

“We extend heartfelt thanks to our amazing artists and performers who freely gave of their time and talent, to venue host, food vendor, and volunteers who made the evening possible, and to everyone who contributed in cash or kind.”

To learn more or to support the ongoing relief efforts, please visit www.hamiltonlovesjamaica.com.

Meanwhile, in London, Ontario, the London Afrocentric Arts Association is organizing a Jamaica Relief Fund 25 concert on December 6 to raise $50,000 for the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth. It will be held at the Maple Sports and Rec Banquet Hall on Adelaide Street in London.

“It features former Juno Award winner, Errol Blackwood, when he was with the band, Messenjah, for years. There’s V. Merchant who started the city’s first Reggae Fest this year, and the third performer is King Cruff, a Juno nominee and also a grandson of Bob Marley,” said Colin Caleb, executive director of the organization.

Caleb said the association, which started in 2021 during the COVID pandemic, is rallying all its contacts. It holds the annual Essence and Culture Awards at which 18 awards are presented to individuals from the Black community and is well represented in London. As a result, there is a strong support network from which to tap into for their relief effort.

Anyone interested in volunteering to sort and pack donations at the Jamaican Canadian Centre is asked to sign up at this link. https://jcaontario.org/booking/. Groups interested in volunteering as a team should email info@jcaonatario.org.

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