Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has expressed profound gratitude to the Jamaican diaspora in Canada after community-led initiatives raised more than CAD$3 million to support relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, one of the most destructive storms to hit the island in recent years.
As communities across Jamaica continue to recover from widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, Jamaicans living in Canada mobilized swiftly through benefit concerts, online fundraising campaigns, and grassroots community drives. The scale and speed of the response underscored the enduring connection between the island and its overseas citizens.
“The outpouring of support from our Canadian diaspora has been nothing short of inspirational,” Minister Bartlett said while addressing supporters in Toronto. “When our island called for help, our Jamaican family in Canada answered with leadership, compassion, and resources that are already making a real difference in people’s lives.”
A series of coordinated initiatives drove the fundraising success. An early benefit concert held on November 6 at the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) in Toronto raised more than CAD$51,000, while an online fundraising drive surpassed CAD$650,000 within just two weeks. Diaspora organizations across Canada continued to build momentum through parallel campaigns and community-based outreach.
The largest contribution came this week from the Harmonies of Hope relief concert at Toronto’s Meridian Performing Arts Centre, which raised CAD$2.3 million and counting. Held under the patronage of Dr. Wes Hall, Chancellor of the University of Toronto, and Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University, the event partnered with Food for the Poor Canada, the Sandals Foundation, and Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation to channel funds directly into humanitarian assistance.
“These contributions are aligned with Jamaica’s national recovery priorities,” Minister Bartlett noted, emphasizing that funds will support urgent relief, community restoration, and long-term rebuilding of homes and livelihoods in the hardest-hit areas.
Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, praised the diaspora’s leadership, highlighting the tangible impact the relief efforts will have on affected families. Angella Bennett, Regional Director for Canada, who played a central role in executing the Harmonies of Hope concert, also commended stakeholders and performers, noting that the event “brought hope through the power of Jamaican music,” including tributes to Bob Marley that resonated deeply with the audience.
As recovery continues, Jamaica’s government has signaled that diaspora engagement will remain a critical pillar of resilience—demonstrating once again how global Jamaican communities step forward in moments of national need.
