SARASOTA, Fla. — Sarasota business and community leaders are raising money for Hurricane Melissa victims in Jamaica.
What You Need To Know
- Sarasota business and community leaders are raising money for Hurricane Melissa victims in Jamaica
- The United for Relief Reggae Festival will support the on-the-ground relief efforts still underway
- The festival will begin on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., then again on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., at the Sarasota Fairgrounds
The United for Relief Reggae Festival will support the on-the-ground relief efforts still underway in the Caribbean country.
“I was born and raised in Montego Bay,” Reggae artist Greg Roy said.
Singing is a passion for Roy, but recently it’s been a lifeline.
Hurricane Melissa devastated his hometown of Montego Bay in Jamaica. Music — and support from his wife — have helped him process the destruction.
The rest of Roy’s family lives in Jamaica, but after the storm, he didn’t hear from his daughter or his mother for four days.
“When I finally started hearing from people and hearing some of the horror stories, we tried to individually help people. But they would say things like, ‘Listen, it’s bad. Focus on your family,’” he said.
Fortunately, his family is doing OK.
They are displaced from their homes, but they are staying positive.
“Video calls — we’ve had video calls with my mom. She’s fine. She’s up in Kingston. A few things were lost, but anything we possess will be repossessed. The grandkids are laughing when we talk. And, you know, it’s Christmas. Everybody wants a gift, so we’ve got to keep the spirit,” he said.
The Sarasota community is rallying to support Jamaicans with this weekend’s United for Relief Reggae Festival.
Reggae artists like Roy will be performing, and the event will feature vendors providing authentic island cuisine and cultural showcases celebrating Jamaica’s heritage.
The United for Relief Reggae Festival being set up, which will support the on-the-ground relief efforts still underway in Jamaica. (Spectrum News)
The United for Relief Reggae Festival being set up, which will support the on-the-ground relief efforts still underway in Jamaica. (Spectrum News)
“I think the importance of this event cannot possibly be understated. You’ve got individuals who are still without roads, shelter, drinkable water,” she said.
Allison Imre is the chair of United for Relief, which organized the festival.
She says the goal is to raise more than $100,000.
One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward helping hurricane victims in Jamaica.
“It will go to food, clothing, shelter, even things as simple as Christmas gifts for the little kids,” she said.
The island nation still has a long road to recovery… but artists like Roy are using music to spread positivity and connect people.
The festival will begin on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., then again on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Each ticket costs $30.
Julia Hazel
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