Jamaica Receives Donation from Royal Ethiopian Trust

The Royal Ethiopian Trust has made a US$5,000 donation to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Recovery efforts.

The disclosure was made by Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange, at Wednesday’s (December 3) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

Ms. Grange read a letter from Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie, grandson of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassi, addressed to Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, which outlined the donation.

“I would like to express my deepest condolence for the tragedy brought to Jamaica by Hurricane Melissa. The loss of life and the damage to Jamaica’s infrastructure brings sadness and raises challenges. I know that while you mourn what has been lost, you will lead Jamaica into a better future through the process of rebuilding,” he said.

In light of the long-standing bonds of friendship between Jamaica and Ethiopia, I want to do everything in my power to help you in that process. To that end I have authorised the Royal Ethiopian Trust, of which I am the patron, to make a US$5,000 donation to your Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), which was sent by wire transfer a week ago,” he said.

The Minister said fundraising efforts through the ‘I Love Jamaica’ series continue, noting that discussions are under way with several organisations and friends of Jamaica in major diaspora cities that have expressed interest in staging I Love Jamaica concerts in their areas.

The initiative commenced with the I Love Jamaica virtual concert and telethon on Sunday, November 23. It was broadcast live on television in Jamaica and streamed across the world via social media.

The telethon raised more than $65 million towards the national hurricane Melissa relief programme.

Minister Grange said $45.7 million has already been received and deposited to the Support Jamaica account.

“Based on pledges made, we also anticipate that an additional sum of approximately $20 million will be received shortly and, in fact, we have started receiving those pledges,” she said.

Minister Grange noted that a number of Jamaicans in Hollywood – actors and actresses, producers and directors and friends of Jamaica – have also launched a campaign to raise funds towards Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa relief programme.