Grammy winner Sean Paul pledged $50,000 to relief operations after Hurricane Melissa battered Jamaica with winds reaching 185 mph and killed at least 28 people. The reggae artist said his young children remain traumatized after watching the category five storm bend trees and unleash powerful gusts near their Kingston home, though western parishes absorbed far worse damage. Paul described friends in Montego Bay losing entire roofs while continuing to distribute food and clothing to affected residents.
The musician told reporters that recovery work feels overwhelming as blocked roads and infrastructure failures prevent aid from reaching isolated communities. He mentioned hearing about 15 infants under three months sleeping in cardboard boxes and noted many rural areas lack electricity for residents attempting to contact relatives. Paul said he broke down on Saturday from the emotional toll of coordinating assistance efforts.
Artist Shaggy has organized supply convoys to deliver essentials across the island and described scenes in Black River as resembling bomb damage. Both performers plan to stage a fundraising concert in December rather than immediately to allow proper promotion. Shaggy said the destruction left him unable to forget what he witnessed while helping his fellow Jamaicans.
The musician told reporters that recovery work feels overwhelming as blocked roads and infrastructure failures prevent aid from reaching isolated communities. He mentioned hearing about 15 infants under three months sleeping in cardboard boxes and noted many rural areas lack electricity for residents attempting to contact relatives. Paul said he broke down on Saturday from the emotional toll of coordinating assistance efforts.
Artist Shaggy has organized supply convoys to deliver essentials across the island and described scenes in Black River as resembling bomb damage. Both performers plan to stage a fundraising concert in December rather than immediately to allow proper promotion. Shaggy said the destruction left him unable to forget what he witnessed while helping his fellow Jamaicans.
