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In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica, the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, has endorsed the ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert series to mobilise critical resources for national recovery and rebuilding efforts.
One of the concerts, presented by Jamaica Strong NY Inc., will be held on Friday, December 12, at the iconic UBS Arena in New York, which has signed on as a major sponsor for this event. International recording and Grammy Award-winning artiste Shaggy, will be the headliner.
“Jamaica’s culture has always been a source of strength, pride, and global influence,” said Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport. “In times of crisis, it becomes a unifying force. The ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert reminds us that, even from afar, our people and our friends around the world can come together to rebuild lives and restore hope.”
All proceeds from the event will go directly to the government’s official Hurricane Relief Fund and will be used exclusively to support relief and recovery efforts for families, students, and communities across the hardest-hit parishes. Strict accountability and transparency measures will be in place to ensure that every dollar raised reaches those most in need.
The concert at the UBS Arena will be held in collaboration with Jammins Entertainment, The Irie Jam Foundation and RoadBlock Radio.
Bobby Clarke, president and CEO of Irie Jam Radio, noted that “this effort goes to the very heart of who we are”.
“For 32 years, Irie Jam has stood as a voice for our culture, our struggles, and our triumphs. In this moment of national pain, we are called once again to serve. This is more than a concert, it is Jamaica’s global family rising as one. When we combine the force of our music with the strength of our diaspora, there is no disaster we cannot overcome,” Clarke stated.
The initiative reflects the deep concern and active engagement of the Jamaican diaspora.
“When ‘Mr Boombastic’ Shaggy and friends take the stage at UBS Arena, he’ll be carrying the heartbeat of a Jamaica that will rise again — because we cannot be broken,” said Kacy Rankine, CEO of Roadblock Radio.com. “Hurricane Melissa tore through St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, Hanover and other parishes, but it never touched our resolve. Jamaica Strong’s ‘I Love Jamaica’ Concert is a lifeline for families fighting to rebuild.”
The event line-up will feature top-tier Jamaican and international artistes, community leaders, and surprise guests.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story stated that Kacy Rankine is the chief executive officer (CEO) of WCBS. Rankine is the CEO of Roadblcok Radio.com and not CEO of Roadblock Radio.com/WCBS 101.1 FM HD3 as stated in a press release.
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