Global dancehall superstar, Sean Paul, told The Gleaner in a recent interview that wherever he goes in the world, Jamaica is always on his mind. The patriotic Jamaican entertainer has been put to the test and has come up roses, with his actions speaking even louder than his words.
Following the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Melissa, the Get Busy singer, through his Sean Paul Foundation, has partnered with Food For The Poor Jamaica to deliver direct relief to those affected. He also made an appeal for charitable donations, pledging to “personally match every donation up to US$50,000”.
He has been using his social media platforms to get the word out and on Saturday did an interview with CNN, outlining the dire need of those hardest hit by the Category-5 hurricane which slammed into Jamaica western parishes last Tuesday.
“People are homeless … there is no running water … mud has come into their homes. The sanitary condition is crazy … the smell I’m being told is horrible. I’ve teamed up with Food For the Poor Jamaica which is an organisations that helps people in dire need. When yuh talk about destruction and devastation, it looks like a bomb hit out there,” Sean Paul told the CNN reporter, even as drone images appeared onscreen from areas in Trelawny and Westmoreland.
“Everyone who has ever had a great time in Jamaica … even if you just had a beer coming off a cruise ship in Jamaica … give $10, give $1. It adds up,” Sean Paul appealed, and requested that CNN display the links /foodforthepoorja.org and supportjamaica.gov.jm for those who want to make donations.
During the interview, he spoke of the impact of climate change on the island and recalled going through Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, and being without electricity for three months. He emphasised that “it’s going to be a long period of recovery”.
“Jamaica gave the world great memories. Now, it needs your help. Give thanxx @cnn for helping me to get the word out there,” Sean Paul posted alongside the video of the interview.
DONATIONS
A press release from his team stated that since launching the initiative the campaign raised approximately US$20,000 in less than 24 hours, “reflecting the overwhelming generosity of fans, fellow entertainers and supporters around the world who have responded to the call to help rebuild Jamaica”.
In his appeal posted online, Sean Paul told the world that “right now, my island of Jamaica is going through a really tough time”.
He added, “Hurricane Melissa has caused serious damage – families displaced, homes destroyed, and communities struggling to recover. Through the Sean Paul Foundation, we’re bringing relief to those who need it most. I’m asking all my fans, friends, and supporters worldwide, if you can, please give what you can. Every donation counts, no matter how small. Together, we can make a big difference.”
His team outlined that “the Hold My Hand artiste, along with his family and team, actively assisted with relief kit packing at the Food For The Poor headquarters on Thursday, October 30”. More than 1,200 food and hygiene packages were put together.
Marsha Burrell-Rose, marketing, PR and missions manager at the Food For The Poor Jamaica, said the organisation was “especially grateful to have our ambassador Sean Paul, along with his family and team, on the ground assisting with packaging efforts. Their presence reminds us what it means to truly build back the love for Jamaica, because that’s what we need right now”.
“We will rebuild stronger, and we’re deeply thankful to everyone who has already contributed. Your five dollars may feel small to you, but to us, it means a million,” Burrell-Rose is quoted in a press release.
The Sean Paul Foundation has been a dedicated supporter of Food For The Poor, distributing food, toiletries and tablets to children during the pandemic. In 2023, the Sean Paul Foundation partnered with Food For The Poor to support its Band Camp’s musical training and life skills programme.
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
