1 month ago
31
The Issa family’s contribution to the health sector in Jamaica traces back to the opening of the first Mary Issa clinic in 1955 in downtown Kingston.
Seventy years later, Mary Issa’s grandson Paul Issa leads the charge to replace the now defunct clinic with the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health, set for opening next year.
The structure, at Richmond near Priory in St Ann, is complete, Issa said as he launched the trust’s 20th anniversary benefit concert set for Saturday, May 17, at the Couples Sans Souci hotel in Prospect, St Mary, on Tuesday.
International reggae star Shaggy headlines the concert and is to be supported by Lila Iké with Tessanne Chin’s children’s performing group, Voice Box, to add their voices to the show at the opening.
The proceeds from the show are expected to contribute significantly to the US$2 million that the project is costing.
“Our aim is to make US$500,000, but we don’t know, it all depends on the generosity of ticket buyers and donors and everything else that we raise at the event. We’re hoping for the best, but we’ll take whatever we get,” Paul Issa, chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, told The Gleaner after the launch.
“The total cost is about US$2 million, so we have a ways to go, but the structure is up, as you can see if you drive by,” he added.
The finishing touches, including windows and doors, are to be added, after which the equipment will be installed.
“A lot of that (equipment) will be donated by various international foundations. I’m always optimistic, we got this far, we’re probably going to make it to the completion,” Issa said.
Quality over quantity
Patrons should look forward to a great show from the line-up, which spells quality over quantity.
With over three decades in the music business, Shaggy rose to prominence in the ‘90s with hits such as Oh Carolina, Boombastic, In the Summertime, and Hope. He carried his success into the turn of the century, scoring several chart hits such as Angel, It Wasn’t Me, Strength of a Woman, Keep’n It Real, among others.
Singer Lila Iké is among a new generation of female Jamaican artistes that have come to the fore of reggae music over the past few years.
With several tours under her belt, Lila Iké has seasoned into a top class performer. Patrons should recognise several of her songs such as Where I’m Coming From, Second Chance, Biggest Fan, and Sweet Inspiration, among others.
The Mitchells, Wayne Marshall and Tami Chin will be the MCs for the show.
Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, Michael Belnavis and his countertpart from Port Maria, Fitzroy Wilson, both expressed optimism that there won’t be any traffic nightmare come May 17.
Issa promised that the show will start and end on time.
Tickets are available at Fontana Pharmacy in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Barbican and Waterloo Square; Couples Resorts – Sans Souci, Tower Isle, and Montego Bay; Jacana outlets in New Kingston, Manor Park, Ocho Rios; and at Country Store in Richmond, St Ann, and Negril, Westmoreland.
English (US) ·