The mission of Stephen “Cat” Coore, co-founder of the band Third World, extended far beyond music. Cat was a deeply philanthropic figure who supported the Issa Trust Foundation and its work to transform pediatric and neonatal healthcare in Jamaica. Along with Third World, he performed at fundraising galas in New York and Jamaica to help raise funds for the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center in St. Ann.
Speaking at the 2024 New York gala, Coore said, “The Issa Trust Foundation is a wonderful organization that does great things for the kids of Jamaica. Funds raised will go toward construction of the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center in St. Ann, Jamaica, and to purchase things like incubators and other kinds of medical equipment for the health of the kids.”
The center will provide specialized care in cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology, oncology, and mental health, along with vision screening and free glasses. Since its inception, the Issa Trust Foundation has played a major role in reducing child mortality rates through partnerships with Direct Relief and the National Health Fund, while revolutionizing neonatal intensive care across the island. Cat Coore’s legacy will be permanently honored through a special place within the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center, serving as a lasting reminder of the impact one life can have on so many.
In a heartfelt message, the Issa Trust Foundation shared, “With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we honor Cat Coore, beloved member of Third World and a cherished Goodwill Reggae Ambassador for the Issa Trust Foundation, who passed away on January 18, 2026.”
The release continued, “Cat cared deeply for children, for Jamaica, and for ensuring access to quality healthcare for the most vulnerable. His support of the Issa Trust Foundation went far beyond the stage. He was especially passionate about the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center, believing deeply in its ability to transform the lives of children across Jamaica.”
Chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, Paul Issa, said, “Although a huge fan of Third World for over 50 years, I got to know Cat when he performed and helped us organize fundraisers for the Issa Trust Foundation. He became our Goodwill Reggae Ambassador because he loved the work we were doing in pediatric healthcare. All of us at ITF are heartbroken over his loss—a wonderful musician and a beautiful soul. We will miss him terribly.”
In 2024, Cat and members of Third World performed at the luxurious Cipriani on East 42nd Street in New York to help raise funds for the Issa Trust Foundation For the Children Gala. The concert segment featured Third World alongside friends Kumar, Gramps Morgan, and Luciano. The presentation was a flawless blend of all the artists in one sizzling mix, only interrupted by a mesmerizing solo drumming session accompanied by a gravity-defying dancer.
At 9:15 p.m. sharp, Cat Coore on cello and Kumar on vocals kicked off the musical soirée, warming up the crowd with the Jamaica National School Song, I Pledge My Heart, followed by When the Smoke Clears. Third World then took patrons back in time with their 1970s classic Dreamland. Between favorites such as Reggae Ambassadors, Now That We Found Love, Loving You, and You’re the Only One, Cat spoke passionately about the Mary Issa health center project and the need to continue supporting the Issa Trust Foundation.
The For the Children gala reached an exuberant climax with the Marley classic One Love, featuring Luciano, Gramps, Kumar, Cool Runnings actor Leon, and a surprise appearance by Speaker of the House of Representatives Juliet Holness, who joined the curtain call.
“Mrs. Holness sang in key,” Cat Coore said later that night, prompting Third World’s manager, Heather Cameron, to exclaim, “I am ready to book her to go on the road with us.”
