The people of the Water Works district in Westmoreland recently felt something they haven’t felt in weeks – relief, joy, and the warm reassurance that Jamaica has not forgotten them.
In an emotional show of unity, singer Richie Stephens, legendary selector Richie Poo, and DJ Smurf from Roadblock Radio and Irie FM rolled into the community of Water Works district with a truckload of food and a 12-member volunteer team determined to lift spirits devastated by ‘dutty gal’ Hurricane Melissa.
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Hot meals were served, music filled the air, and residents gathered, some smiling for the first time since the storm tore through their parish.
“I had to come back to Westmoreland,” Richie Stephens shared with Images Newsletter /FACEVU IMAGES.
Stephens, who will join Shaggy, Sean Paul, KES, Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, Tessanne Chin, Aidonia, Chronic Law, T.O.K., Gramps Morgan, Mikey Spice, Reggae Queen Marcia Griffiths, I-Octane and gospel singer Kevin Downwell at the Jamaica Strong concert, slated for December 12 at the UBS Arena in Queens, was visibly moved as he served meals to residents.
“Like the Jamaica Strong concert, today’s outreach was born from something deeper than charity. It is a desire to help your brothers and sisters,” he implored.
“Two weeks ago we handed out care packages in my hometown in Russia, Westmoreland, and my heart was heavy from the experience,” he said. “I went home to the comfort of my home in Kingston thinking about the elders, the children, everybody trying to rebuild. After consulting with my wife and friends in my inner circle and a friend on the ground in Westmoreland, the unanimous decision was, we haffi do something special for the folks in Water Works. And today, today went way bigger than I imagined.”
A Day of Food, Vibes & Fellowship
From early afternoon when the truck pulled into Water Works, pots bubbled with hot meals as volunteers fanned out to serve the elderly, children, single mothers, and families still grappling with loss. Music echoed with classics and uplifting reggae anthems that had residents laughing, and even dancing as they ate.
Selector Richie Poo, usually the one behind the turntables, cooked and served the folks from the community who came out.
“Mi play music all over the world, but today is different,” he shared. “When yuh see the people still smiling through everything, it moves yuh. This is what Jamaica Strong really means.”
DJ Smurf said joining the mission was an easy decision.
“When Richie reached out and told me the plan, I said I am all in,” Smurf noted. “The people of Westmoreland deserve this kind of energy, food, love, and good vibrations.”
Among the most grateful was local businessman Rock James of James Lumberyard & Hardware in Water Works. He said the impact was far bigger than anyone anticipated.
“Mi proud of how today turn out,” he said, adding that this type of hands-on engagement brings healing money alone cannot buy.
The combination of hot meals, music, fellowship, and genuine care created a powerful emotional moment for Water Works.
“Many residents like myself in Westmoreland see this day as one of the ‘bright spots’ since Hurricane Melissa ravaged our homes and livelihoods. God bless Richie Stephens,” International MC Don P Palmer shared..
As the sun dipped behind the hills and volunteers packed up, the message was clear. This was not a one-day gesture. It is the beginning of a movement.
“’Jamaica Strong’ is more than a slogan. It’s action,” Richie Stephens said.
“Jamaica Strong today, tomorrow, and forever,” he added.
