JTB Canada’s ‘Harmonies of Hope’ concert raises CDN$3m for Melissa relief

In a display of global solidarity and national pride, the Jamaican diaspora in Canada has delivered one of the largest single contributions to the island’s Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, raising CDN$3 million through the ‘Harmonies of Hope’ benefit concert.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, hailed the achievement as “outstanding”, confirming to The Gleaner that the sum “is the largest single contribution from any of the diaspora groups across the world to Jamaica”.

The star-studded show, hosted by the Canadian arm of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) at the Meridian Performing Arts Centre in Toronto on December 10, attracted hundreds of friends of Jamaica, members of Canada’s travel industry, and the vibrant Jamaican diaspora. In attendance were Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Canada Marsha Coore Lobban; Jamaica’s Consul General at Toronto Kurt Davis and his wife, Dr Suzanne Robinson Davis, as well as other dignitaries.

Bartlett underscored the profound commitment demonstrated by the diaspora, noting that the final remittance to Jamaica will be substantial.

“The commitment to Jamaica’s recovery was evident and so strong,” Bartlett said. “The CDN$2.3 million announced that night, and the additional pledges, could see a growth of somewhere in the region of CDN$3 million, which, when netted of their expenses, could possibly see a remittance of over CDN$2 million to Jamaica.”

The minister also praised the event as a “very strong and powerful endorsement of Jamaica, homeland”, making a compelling case for the “power of Commonwealth outside of Jamaica”.

The success of the concert was the culmination of a whirlwind 10-day Hurricane Melissa relief campaign, spearheaded by Angella Bennett, JTB regional director, Canada. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) was abuzz with excitement, driven by the selfless involvement of distinguished Jamaican Canadian patrons, Dr Wes Hall, chancellor of the University of Toronto, and Dr Donette Chin-Loy Chang, chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University.

Vibrant musical tribute

Bartlett extended gratitude to the key organizers.

“I want to really thank Wes Hall and Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Natasha Borota, Angella Bennett, and the full team of those who came together in 10 days to put this powerful presentation together. The concert was world-class. The music quality was of the highest.”

The event itself was a vibrant musical tribute, featuring world-class performances of Bob Marley renditions by an impressive line-up of Canadians singers, including Mark Steele, Jully Black, Quisha Wint, Sean Jones, Renee Rowe, backed by the Hardcore Band. Hosting duties were allocated to rapper Kardinall Offishall and media practitioner Brandon Gonez.

Bennett revealed that the entire effort was driven by a spirit of volunteerism, ensuring maximum funds would reach the island.

“Everybody was volunteering. There was no paid artiste that night,” she stated.

“Every talent, every single effort, everybody loaned their time, services, and effort to making this a success. There was no benefit to any star there; the benefit was Jamaica.”

Bennett was inspired to “keep the momentum going” after witnessing the Jamaican Canadian Association’s quick call to action with their own relief concert shortly after Hurricane Melissa pummelled the island. She mobilised and recruited Toronto’s “game-changers” to her team, recognising that “the need is great”.

The fundraising success was bolstered by significant corporate support. Bennett confirmed that, in addition to the concert ticket sales and auction, a robust sponsorship package was offered to corporate Canada.

“We had international sponsors like our trade partners and tour operators Transat redtag.ca that came on as a sponsor that contributed financially to the management of the concert,” she explained. Jamaican sponsors include Appleton Rum, who also played a key role, alongside a “huge traffic of donation” generated from Hall’s corporate clients.

The concert served as the ideal platform to reiterate the JTB’s message as the island official reopened on December 15, marking the start of the winter tourist season; the best value for Jamaica at this time is to “Come back to give back”.

The successful fundraising effort ensures that the recovery is well supported as the island welcomes visitors back to its shores.

Jamaica-born vocalist Mark Steele emphasised the vital importance of the effort.

“Tourism is Jamaica’s main sector for the country’s revenue, and it employs so many Jamaicans. Therefore, it is vital that we rebuild as soon as possible,” Steele said. “The Jamaica Tourist Board here in Toronto is playing a major role … my contribution in this manner is a no-brainer.”

Echoing the sentiment of compassion, singer Quisha Wint shared her personal connection and motivation to lending her time and talent.

“Being a part of the Harmonies of Hope concert was a divine privilege. My parents are Jamaican, so standing in support of Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa is personal for me,” she noted, adding, “I believe God uses music to comfort, restore, and bring light into dark places.”

editorial@gleanerjm.com