The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has raised an estimated $200 million through its I Love Jamaica concert series, supporting national recovery efforts following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
The concert series includes events staged locally and overseas, with support from international artistes alongside Jamaica’s reggae and dancehall fraternity. The initiative was launched as a cultural and humanitarian response to the widespread damage caused by the hurricane.
Speaking at the official launch of Reggae Month on Wednesday, January 21, at J. Wray and Nephew Limited’s head office in New Kingston, portfolio minister Olivia Grange said the funds raised to date are being channelled directly into the Support Jamaica account.
“Some is still being deposited, and we have concerts being lined up in the continent of Africa, as well as in the big leagues,” Grange said.
She praised the local music industry for what she described as its swift and selfless response in the aftermath of the disaster, calling artistes “first responders” who used their talents to help lift national spirits during a difficult period.
“I’m very proud of the industry, all our artistes. I want to thank the industry for stepping up and going out there and being our brother’s and sister’s keeper,” Grange said. “We want to send a message of love and solidarity with the hopeful message that every little thing is going to be all right.”
The minister noted that Reggae Month 2026, which begins on February 1, will carry a special message of hope for western Jamaica, one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa.
“We are reaching out to our brothers and sisters in western Jamaica, and to our family and friends across the world facing various crises, as well as all who mourn at this time,” she added.
A full schedule of Reggae Month 2026 activities is available on the Reggae Jamaica App, which can be downloaded free from the App Store and Google Play Store.
