‘I Love Jamaica’ Initiative Raises Us$1 Million

A total of US$1million has been raised through the ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert series, in support of recovery efforts, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.

The concert series include events held in Jamaica and at venues overseas, supported by international artistes and the country’s reggae and dancehall music fraternity.

The initiative was recently bolstered through a US$400,000 donation from the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hard Rock International, to support housing, infrastructure repair and humanitarian relief efforts in Jamaica.

The funds were generated through the ‘Stay Strong Jamaica’ benefit concert held on January 2 at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida.

In attendance at the symbolic handover of the cheque at the Hard Rock Hotel recently was Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange.

“So Hard Rock came on board and originally, we had set a target of US$1 million, and this contribution has ensured that we have made our target, and really that is commendable. I’m so happy,” Ms. Grange said.

The Minister credited Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair, for his instrumental role in securing support for the initiative and mobilising key stakeholders.

Ms. Grange also highlighted the collective effort behind the fundraising drive, pointing to the involvement of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), community organisations, and members of the diaspora.

She further underscored the importance of diaspora engagement, particularly support from the Jamaican community in New York, which contributed significantly to the overall fundraising effort.

“So, when we conceptualise this, ‘I Love Jamaica’ series, we said we would target the diaspora communities worldwide, and I want to thank the community in New York for coming on board and ensuring that we raise funds there that contributed to ensuring that our initial target of US$1million was met,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation to members of the entertainment fraternity who supported the initiative in the aftermath of the hurricane.

“I also want to thank Shaggy and Sean Paul for the roles that they have played… and to say to the artiste community, the entertainers, that you were among the first responders when the hurricane hit Jamaica. Your love and contribution and everything are very much appreciated,” the Minister added.

Meanwhile, Ms. Grange pointed out that Jamaicans at home and abroad came together in support of recovery efforts.

“They say wherever in the world, if there is even one Jamaican, it’s Jamaica, and this has proven that we do rally together no matter where we are and make things happen,” she added.

Ms. Grange said she was optimistic about future collaborations aimed at supporting national development and disaster recovery initiatives.

“I look forward to us working together in the future to make things happen like we have been able to make this happen. Jamaica is resilient, and I’m very, very happy today about the results,” she stated.