Four hospitals in western Jamaica have received a combined $8 million boost through a philanthropic initiative following Hurricane Melissa.
Dancehall artist Bounty Killer (Rodney Price), through his Bounty Foundation, and American music producer DJ Khaled, via his We The Best Foundation, each contributed $2 million on Monday, November 17. The donation benefits Savanna‑la‑Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland, Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth, Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny, and Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James.
Savanna‑la‑Mar Hospital CEO Roan Grant praised the artistes as “benevolent givers” and outlined plans for the funds.
“The $2 million given to the hospital will be put to tremendous use, where we will use it in getting two arterial blood gas (ABG) machines. Those are some point of care machines that will hasten diagnoses for patients in the A and E (Accident and Emergency) Department, as well as the paediatric ward,” he said.
Grant noted that the hospital’s laboratory sustained heavy damage during the hurricane, which tore away the tarmac and created a “waterfall” inside, temporarily putting existing machinery out of service. He said the new portable ABG machines will be invaluable in adverse conditions, allowing doctors to provide care across multiple departments.
Head of the A and E Department, Dr. Jevayne Mills, echoed the gratitude. “I am really grateful. So, on behalf of the A and E Department, the Paediatric Department, as well as Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital and the wider Westmoreland community, I’d like to thank you, Mr. Price,” he said, noting the machines will be critical for swift diagnoses and proper patient care.
Bounty Killer highlighted the widespread challenges caused by Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28. He explained that he and DJ Khaled prioritised the health sector given its essential role in national recovery.
“When I saw those field, hospitals put up after the hurricane, I said the first initiative is go to the hospitals,” Bounty Killer said. He also praised the resilience of healthcare workers and announced plans to provide care packages as part of upcoming initiatives.
Other artistes have also stepped up in the aftermath of the hurricane, including Vybz Kartel, Masicka, Spice, Romeich Major, as well as international stars such as Tyrese, The Weeknd, and Diplo, contributing to relief and recovery efforts across Jamaica.
