Officials in Lauderhill recognized several of Jamaica’s biggest music stars on Monday, February 23, presenting them with citations for their humanitarian work following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Among those honored were Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, Busy Signal, Spragga Benz, and Wayne Wonder. The recognition came during a special commission meeting held as part of International Reggae Month celebrations.
City officials said the artists were selected for their charitable contributions in the aftermath of the October 28 Category 5 hurricane, which prompted widespread relief efforts from members of the entertainment community to support Jamaicans affected by the disaster.
“The City of Lauderhill hosted a special Commission Meeting in celebration of International Reggae Month, where we proudly presented the Humanitarian Ambassador Awards to some of reggae’s most influential voices,” the city said on social media. Officials noted that the honorees have not only shaped reggae and dancehall culture globally but have also supported communities through philanthropy, mentorship, and cultural advocacy.
Lauderhill is home to a large Jamaican-American population, and the city’s mayor, Denise Grant, is herself Jamaican, along with other members of the commission.
Speaking after receiving his citation, Kartel thanked the city and its leadership for the recognition.
“Thank you to the Mayor, Ms. Grant, thank you to the city,” he said. “These proclamations mean a lot to me because I was in Canada when the hurricane hit. And I told my manager TJ that we have to leave Canada now. We went to Jamaica and mobilized the team and got things going. To be honored this way is a pleasure. It’s a very humbling thing.”
Through his Adidja Palmer Foundation, Kartel has led relief efforts across several western parishes, including St. James, Hanover, and Westmoreland. His outreach has gone beyond immediate donations, focusing on sustained support for communities hardest hit by the storm.
One notable visit was to the Westhaven Children’s Home in Copse, Hanover, a facility for children with disabilities that suffered significant damage. Kartel pledged long-term support and said the foundation intends to “adopt” the home, helping with rebuilding, education, and institutional assistance.
Early relief efforts from the foundation have included the delivery of a 40-foot container of supplies, more than 12,000 bottles of water, 1,500 loaves of bread, hygiene kits, and the distribution of over 3,500 hot meals in partnership with World Central Kitchen. Kartel also joined volunteers in Montego Bay serving meals and distributing care packages to displaced residents while encouraging other entertainers to assist.
International support has also emerged. Canadian rapper Drake announced that $100 from each “Jamaica OG Hoodie” sold through his OVO brand during a special November campaign would be donated to hurricane relief through the Rockhouse Foundation.
Meanwhile, nearby Lauderdale Lakes also used Reggae Month to celebrate Jamaican music. The city officially proclaimed February 10 as a day in honor of Buju Banton, recognizing the Grammy-winning performer for more than three decades of influence on music, culture, and social awareness. The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Karlene Maxwell-Williams with additional recognition from Broward County Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers and U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
