Philanthropy, passion, and purpose came together last Thursday on the Rooftop Terrace of Jamaica’s Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, as details were unveiled for the upcoming I Love Jamaica Telethon and Global Concerts — a national fundraising initiative to support recovery efforts following the devastating passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange announced that the first live event will be held on November 13 in Camden, London, featuring an impressive lineup that includes Boy George, Ali Campbell, David Rodigan, Bitty McLean, Emeli Sandé, Carroll Thompson, General Levy, Robbo Ranx, Becca D, Tippa Irie, and others. The initiative has received strong backing from Red Stripe, Digicel, and Jamaica’s entertainment community.
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The telethon itself is scheduled for November 23, with additional concerts planned for New York, Miami, and other cities. Grange explained that the goal is not only to raise funds but also to uplift the nation’s spirit and unite Jamaicans at home and abroad.
“The entertainment industry wants to play its part,” Grange said. “Our music is for all seasons — if you’re sad, the music helps; if you’re happy, the music helps. So anyone who thinks music is frivolous right now doesn’t understand its power. Our music is special; it inspires us and keeps us strong.”
The Minister shared that her previous telethon effort raised $60 million in just ten days. This time, she’s aiming even higher — a minimum of US$1 million through the telethon and concert series combined.
Grange credited the artists and partners already on board: Damian Marley and his team, Sean Paul, Bobby Clarke of Irie Jam (leading efforts in New York), the Inner Circle Band (fronting the Miami concert), Shaggy, and Sharon Burke, who are working on another upcoming event.
She also revealed growing global interest:
“In the UK, we have two shows already lined up. I even got a call from Serbia — they want to do something there. And in Trinidad, there’s a concert happening this Saturday.”
Singer Christopher Martin, who initially suggested staging a benefit concert, spoke passionately about the initiative.
“I asked, ‘How can I help? I can sing.’ This concert and telethon will do wonders,” Martin said, addressing earlier critics of the idea. “I don’t understand how anyone could be negative about trying to raise funds to help people. I’ve seen the suffering firsthand — it’s heartbreaking. But it’s also shown me how Jamaicans rise together. Hurricane Melissa took a lot from us, but it did not take our spirit.”
Digicel CEO Stephen Murad, who recently visited Black River, one of the hardest-hit areas, shared a deeply emotional account.
“It was probably the most humbling experience of my life,” Murad said. “The people are suffering — no picture or video can capture it. Imagine being 70 years old, your mortgage finally paid off, and overnight, everything is gone. That’s why we’re here — to help rebuild lives and reconnect Jamaica.”
Murad urged global support for the island’s recovery, commending the resilience of its people.
“The spirit of Jamaicans cannot be broken. I’m proud to call this my home, but we need the world to stand up for Jamaica — and we need help now.”
The event concluded with a moving performance by Lukie D and Christopher Martin, whose soulful duet of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” brought the audience to tears — a fitting symbol of unity, healing, and hope for Jamaica’s recovery.
