The winds of Hurricane Melissa have left an indelible mark on the land that shaped me. I’ve seen this place at its most beautiful and at its most painful. I was there for Hurricane Gilbert, feeling the fury of that storm, but the destruction I witness now is beyond anything I’ve ever known. The community that once filled me with the rhythms of life now lies broken, in desperate need of healing, hope, and most urgently action.

The people of Saint James, Jamaica and countless other communities across Jamaica, are suffering. Many are homeless. Others are starving. Basic supplies food, water, medical aid are in short supply. Hurricane Melissa ripped through homes, took lives, and displaced families. But despite the devastation, we are not defeated. Jamaicans are resilient. We have faced hardship before, and we will rise again.

I’ve been working with La Familia Movements since 1998, striving to unite organizations, individuals, and communities in the spirit of collaboration. La Familia has always been about lifting each other up, supporting one another, and ensuring that those who are most vulnerable are not forgotten. The work we’ve done over the years has been important, but in the aftermath of this storm, it is clearer than ever that our mission must expand and the time for action is now.

This isn’t just a call for local help. This is a global call to action. Hollywood, the entertainment industry, and the global community must step up. Yes, we appreciate the efforts of those who have already contributed actors like Tyrese Gibson, who recently visited Jamaica to offer his support, and the many dancehall and hip-hop artists who have rallied to rebuild Jamaica. But the need is still overwhelming. Families across Jamaica need clean water, food, shelter, medical supplies, and long-term resources to rebuild their lives. What we need now is not just disaster relief, but sustainable development partnerships that will help our communities recover, rebuild, and thrive long after the news cycle fades.

To all those who have already stepped forward, I offer my deepest gratitude. Your contributions have made a real difference. But our work is far from over. Hollywood, the entertainment world, and the global community it’s time for you to show the true power of solidarity. This is your moment to make a difference. I urge you to invest in Jamaica’s future, to stand with us as we rebuild not just homes, but lives.

Together, we can create a future where the people of Jamaica not only recover but emerge stronger, more resilient, and ready to face whatever challenges come next. Jamaica will rise again. It is in our blood, our culture, and in our hearts. And together, we will rise higher than ever before.

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