The island of Jamaica faces one of its most critical moments in recent times after the destructive passage of the Hurricane Melissa, a category storm 5 that left a trail of devastation, dozens of injured, almost 20 dead according to the latest reports and seriously compromised infrastructure.
In this desolate panorama, with the country decreed as “catastrophic zone” by the Government, the music community, one of Jamaica's most important cultural ambassadors, reacted with a wave of solidarity and calls for international humanitarian action.
The Marley Family, through some of its foundations, is rising money collection campaigns and also announced a Relief Fund through GoFundMe, in collaboration with the American fighter - of Jamaican parents- of the UFC, Aljamain Sterling.
“We are honored to partner with Aljamain “Funk Master” Sterling, proudly representing their Jamaican heritage and GoFundMe to launch the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation Relief Fund, in which the 100 % of funds raised will support trusted local organizations and response efforts in Jamaica”, Cedella Marley announced on her networks.
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The different campaigns and actions
While, popular dancehall singer Sean Paul, launched an important initiative through its social networks in which it committed to match each donation received by your foundation until reaching the figure of 50.000 Dollars, an effort to double funds in direct collaboration with the charity Food For The Poor Jamaica.
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further, this last, together with the singer's foundation they joined together to deliver more than 1000 care packages of food and toiletries for affected areas.
The list of artists who are carrying out relief actions includes: Shaggy, Beenie Man, Romeich, Chi Ching, Kkrytical, among many others.
Likewise, dancehall singer Vanessa Bling and producer CJ Milan, they joined together to provide food to 1000 families throughout the west coast of Jamaica after the devastating impact of the hurricane.
While the most millionaire woman in Jamaica, Trischa Bailey, launched a Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund through the Bailey-Archie Charitable Foundation to support families devastated by the storm.
“My heart is heavy as our beloved island of Jamaica faces the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. Many families are preparing for the loss: destroyed homes, children without basic needs, elderly and disabled people struggling to find safety and support. They need us now more than ever”, he wrote on his social networks.
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The impact on the island
At the official level, the Government of Jamaica activated a campaign to receive direct donations, making it easier for citizens and international corporations to contribute to the emergency funds managed by the authorities. Several countries have already sent help such as U.S, France, Trinidad, Venezuela, among others.
On the economic level, the impact on the tourism sector is very severe, However, the authorities stated that the objective is to ensure that the least affected areas can reopen and receive tourists again by the end of December.
The reconstruction task will be long, with international reports warning that recovery could take years. Nevertheless, The solidarity demonstrated by the Reggae community and the determination of the Jamaican people are the basis for overcoming this devastating natural disaster..
What happened?
Hurricane Melissa, category 5, the maximum on the Saffir-Simpson scale, made landfall on the southwest coast of Jamaica, around noon last Tuesday 28 October.
Its passage caused widespread devastation, unprecedented infrastructure, properties, roads, communication and energy networks. It was classified as the “storm of the century” for Jamaica.
When moving slowly, increased the duration and severity of its impacts, It had wind speeds of up to 314 km/h, generating widespread flooding and landslides, with a forecast of up to 1 meter of accumulated rain in some areas.
It also caused that around 70% of the island will be left without electricity, in addition to significant damage to hospitals (as Noel Holmes, Black River, Cornwall Regional y Falmouth) and road infrastructure.
The parishes of Saint Elizabeth, in the southwest of the island, were among the most affected areas, remaining practically “submerged”.
The passage of the hurricane cost the lives of some 50 people in the Caribbean, 19 of which are the official death toll in Jamaica as of the closing of this note.
