“Jamaica is Hurting, But Jamaica is Rising:” Toronto Concert Raises Funds for Relief

After witnessing firsthand the spirit and resilience of the Jamaican people last week on a Jamaica Tourist Board fam trip – and some of the pain caused by Hurricane Melissa – it was a great pleasure to attend last night’s fundraising Harmonies of Hope concert in Toronto.

“Music is healing. We’re powerful and joyful, even in a crisis,” said Dr. Wes Hall, the Jamaican-born Canadian businessman, entrepreneur, Dragon’s Den investor and University of Toronto chancellor.

“I was raised in a zinc shack by my grandmother,” Hall told the audience. “I watched video of people receiving aid in St. Thomas where I grew up, and I saw people I knew and went to school with. I’m not smarter than them, I just had greater opportunity.”

In just 10 days since the concert was announced, more than $2.3 million has been raised and committed, with more to come.

Senior Jamaican and Canadian government and diplomatic officials attended the concert, including Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho. 

Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Canada Marsha Coore Lobban and Consulate General for Jamaica in Toronto Curt Davis also attended. Donovan White, Director of Tourism for Jamaica, travelled north for the event, on a snowy December day in Canada’s largest city.

Minister Bartlett had tongue firmly in cheek when he thanked Toronto for the warm welcome. “But in this room it’s 96 degrees in the shade,” he said.

Citing the strong humanitarian response to Hurricane Melissa from Canada and around the world, Bartlett said: “Jamaica is loved, respected and revered. We want you to know how thankful and appreciative we are.”

Not to be forgotten is the herculean efforts of the Jamaica Tourist Board team led by Angella Bennett. Since the hurricane they have worked tirelessly to keep people abreast of the situation, raise funds and organize fam trips so the travel trade can evaluate the island’s readiness for Canadian winter visitors.

The event featured artists including Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, Sean Jones, Quisha Wint, Renee Rowe, Steele and The Hardcore Band among others, who played a curated selection of timeless Bob Marley songs.

Guests at North York’s Meridian Arts Centre enjoyed cocktails flavoured with Jamaican favourite Appleton rum as they mingled prior to the show.

All proceeds from the event will support ongoing recovery and rebuilding initiatives in the areas of Jamaica most affected by Hurricane Melissa. Funds will contribute to infrastructure restoration, community support programs, and the rebuilding of critical services across the island.

Harmonies of Hope was presented by WeShall Investments Inc. and held under the patronage of Dr. Wes Hall and Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University.