The Jamaica Gospel Music Industry has contributed $600,000 to support veteran deejay Cleve “Lt. Stitchie” Laing, who remains in a long-term care facility after suffering a severe stroke in September.
The funds, raised at the “Hearts and Hands Benefit Concert for Stitchie” on October 18, were presented to his wife, Sophia Laing, and manager, Raffique “Ali” Archibald. The cheque was handed over by event organizers and radio broadcasters Nadine Blair and Markland “Action” Edwards, alongside gospel singer Prince Hall, during a worship service at The New Testament Church of God in Kingston on Sunday.
The benefit concert featured over 15 gospel artists, including Jermaine Edwards, Sebastian Braham, Goddy Goddy, Junior Tucker, Sister Patt, Johnmark Wiggan, and Jai Kingston, all of whom performed without charge to aid their ailing colleague.
In addition to the concert proceeds, Sophia Laing last month received a significant cash donation of US$10,000 (approximately $1.5 million) from Shaggy and Bounty Killer’s The Bounty Foundation, presented at PAJ Limited in Kingston.
These contributions come as Stitchie’s family continues to seek support through a GoFundMe campaign with a target of USD $100,000 to cover extensive medical and rehabilitation costs.
Stitchie, a revered figure in the reggae and dancehall community, is undergoing specialized treatment after a severe brain hemorrhage left him unresponsive.
The GoFundMe page also highlighted the escalating costs of Stitchie’s medical care and the importance of rehabilitation. “Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference and bring hope to Cleve and his family during this difficult journey,” the family stated, urging fans and supporters to share the campaign to help reach the fundraising goal.
