Londoners Unite for Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

The Jamaican community in London is stepping up to help after Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that devastated the island on Tuesday.

One group in London is planning a concert to raise funds for relief efforts, while others are gathering essential items for those affected.

“To see others reach out, come in and say ‘let’s put this collective together,’ shows unity at a time when it’s needed,” said Colin Caleb, executive director at London Afrocentric Arts Association (LACA).

Hurricane Melissa has been the strongest storm ever recorded to strike Jamaica. Reports of landslides, downed trees, and power outages came in as it hit with winds reaching 295 km/h. Officials warned that cleanup and damage assessments could take some time.

LACA is organizing the Jamaica Relief Fund 25 concert aiming to raise $50,000 for the Black Rover Hospital in St. Elizabeth. The hospital suffered severe damage from the storm, according to Caleb, who hails from nearby Manchester. The ticket sales will directly support that relief effort, he mentioned.

Performances are set to feature Juno Award-winner Errol Blackwood, Juno-nominated King Cruff-who is also a grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley-and local reggae artist V. Merchant.

Colin Caleb is the executive director of the London Afrocentric Arts Association, one of the organizers of the charity concert on December 6. (Matthew Trevithick/CBC)

“It’s just going to be a great night of reggae music,” Caleb shared.

The concert will take place on December 6 at Maple Sports and Rec Banquet Hall on Adelaide Street.

Local Businesses Collecting Donations

Meanwhile, businesses and organizations across London are collaborating to gather necessary items for those impacted by the storm.

The Jamaicans in London Ontario Association has teamed up with Food for the Poor-an international nonprofit-to run a Hurricane Relief drive that will manage shipping and distribution.

The Irie Market, a Caribbean grocery store located on Kipps Lane, is one of many collecting donations.

Tashara Williams, owner and Jamaican-Canadian with family in Montego Bay area, felt compelled to help after seeing news about people lacking food or power online.

You can also drop off donations at W. E. A. N. Community Centre on Dundas Street or soon at Up like 7 Barber Shop on Clarke Road. Williams stated there’s no deadline since barrels can be shipped as they fill up.

This is a list of items they’re hoping for:

Non-perishable food Bottled water Hygiene products and toiletries Diapers and baby supplies Cleaning supplies Blankets, sheets and towels Gloves

Restoring Lives and Dignity

London has a sizable Jamaican community estimated between 2,000 to 3,000 members according to Omar Smith, president of Jamaicans in London group.

“People are scared; believe me,” Smith remarked. “Most people who are born and lived on the island have some history with hurricanes but this one is nothing that we have ever even slightly dreamt of. This is catastrophic.”

Like many others in his community, Smith has family members living on the island but has struggled getting in touch due to around 70 percent facing power outages there.

Smith urges everyone in London to donate what they can or find other ways they might help out; he believes true humanity shines through during crises like these.

“This is helping restore lives; it’s about restoring dignity for people,” he noted. “And we know Canadians excel when it comes to compassion and humanity.”

The storm also impacted Cuba and Haiti where local officials reported that 25 people lost their lives in Petit-Goave’s southern coastal area according to reports.

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