The Buju Banton Foundation has joined forces with world-renowned aviator Barrington Irving and his Experience Aviation team to spearhead one of the largest humanitarian airlifts organized outside Jamaica since Hurricane Melissa struck.
The partnership is mobilizing global support to deliver 50,000 pounds of essential supplies to storm-hit communities across the island. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, is already prepped to be loaded “to capacity, inside and in its belly,” thanks to the outpouring of donations pouring in from supporters worldwide.
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During a press conference in South Florida on Wednesday, Captain Barrington Irving Jr.—the Guinness World Record-holding Jamaican who became the youngest and first Black pilot to fly solo around the world—spoke of the airlift operations to Jamaica.
“This will take a monumental effort,” he said. “We’re taking 50,000 pounds of cargo at a time from South Florida to Jamaica. One of our main focuses is getting the supplies down to the island and into the hands of those who need them most.”
Irving’s nonprofit, Experience Aviation, has a strong track record in disaster relief, having delivered more than half a million pounds of humanitarian aid during major crises such as Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas and Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. The Jamaica mission’s first two flights are scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday, continuing through Thanksgiving.
“We’ve had folks call and say, ‘Hey, I have a garage filled with items—I just don’t know how to get it there,’” Irving added. “The point is to get these items into the hands of the people in need.”
Stars step up for Jamaica
As the airlift operation takes shape, Jamaica’s entertainment industry is rallying behind the recovery effort in an unprecedented show of unity.
Dancehall legend Bounty Killer has teamed up with international producer DJ Khaled to provide monetary donations through their respective foundations—The Bounty Foundation and We The Best Foundation. The funds will go toward hospitals and schools affected by the hurricane.
“Real yard man ting. Unity is everything. Love is the way,” DJ Khaled wrote to his 40 million Instagram followers, while Bounty Killer urged Jamaicans to play their part, adding, “Even one dollar is appreciated.”
Vybz Kartel and his Adidja Palmer Foundation also hit the ground this week, distributing care packages across St. James, Westmoreland, and Hanover. The artist, who recently returned to the island, joined World Central Kitchen volunteers serving hot meals to displaced residents in Montego Bay. Kartel pledged to continue his support and encouraged fellow entertainers to do the same.
Adding to the wave of global solidarity, Drake’s OVO brand announced that $100 from every “Jamaica OG Hoodie” sold between November 6 and 13 will be donated to the Rockhouse Foundation Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund.
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Meanwhile, Spice—known offstage as Grace Hamilton—led a massive on-the-ground effort in Bethel Town, Westmoreland. Through her Grace Hamilton Women Empowerment Foundation, she donated ten truckloads of building materials, including blocks, cement, lumber, and zinc, to help families rebuild. She also hired equipment to clear fallen trees blocking access to remote communities.
“Nothing was stopping me from getting these trucks to the people who are now homeless because of the hurricane,” Spice said, thanking members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force who escorted her convoy for safety.
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“This act of unity exemplifies the collective effort required to rebuild and uplift Jamaica, one community at a time.”
Over the past week, several other artists and industry players—including Chris Martin, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Romeich Major, Masicka, Ding Dong, and D’Angel—have also contributed to relief efforts, offering supplies, performances, and fundraising support.
