Jamaica Relief Efforts Raise More Than $3 Million

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has extended heartfelt appreciation to the Canadian diaspora for its exceptional leadership and generosity in raising more than CAD$3 million to support relief and recovery efforts for Jamaican communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Last week’s Harmonies of Hope Concert alone raised a whopping CAD $2.3 Million and counting.

“The outpouring of support from our Canadian diaspora has been nothing short of inspirational,” said Minister Bartlett. “When our island called for help, our Jamaican family in Canada answered with leadership, compassion, and considerable contributions that are already making a real difference in people’s lives.”

Harmonies of Hope worked with three humanitarian agencies to support the huge relief effort – Food for the Poor Canada, Sandals Foundation and Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation.

Over the past few weeks, members of the Diaspora have consistently executed several initiatives to raise funds for families impacted by the hurricane. These include an initial benefit concert held on November 6 at the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) in Toronto, which raised over $51,000.00, along with an online funding drive that raised over $650,000 after just two weeks. The JCA members have been working around the clock and similar efforts have been undertaken by other Diaspora communities and Associations across Canada.

“We are humbled and heartened by the generosity of our brothers and sisters in Canada. This shared commitment reinforces the enduring love for Jamaica that our diaspora carries with them — and proves that distances cannot weaken the ties that bind us,” added Bartlett.

These contributions, which are aligned with Jamaica’s National recovery efforts, will help to support urgent humanitarian needs, community restoration, and long-term efforts to rebuild homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods for families hit hardest by the storm.

Donovan White, Director of Tourism wholeheartedly applauded the efforts of the diaspora groups highlighting the “positive impact the relief will have on many lives.”

Regional Director for Canada, Angella Bennett, who was integral in the execution of Harmonies of Hope also hailed the diaspora, especially stakeholders of the relief concert for the excellent production that “indeed brought hope through Jamaica’s powerful musical renditions of Bob Marley songs.”