Richie Stephens returns to Westmoreland with aid after Hurricane Melissa’s destruction

The destruction and deluge in western Jamaica, particularly in Russia, Westmoreland, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which left 45 dead and an estimated 120,000 structures damaged, left reggae singer Richie Stephens at a loss for words. The images that flooded social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube lit a fire in him and inspired him to do something—anything—to help.

Last Saturday, Richie and his team made the long, arduous six-hour trek to Westmoreland to personally deliver a truckload of care packages to residents whose lives were shattered by Hurricane Melissa. It was a selfless act he described as necessary, urgent, and deeply emotional.

“When I saw how badly the Category 5 hurricane hit my hometown in Westmoreland, I said whatever I’m doing, I’m going to have to stop,” Stephens shared.

“I wanted to move as quickly as I possibly could based on the desperate need the people are in.”

The urgency was not abstract.

“When people can’t get water to drink and food to eat… you have to cater for them,” he said.

Stephens, born and raised in Westmoreland, mobilized family and longtime friends to join him. The group of 15 spent the entire day distributing food, water, and essentials.

“My wife, my kids, Richie Poo, DJ Smurf… about 15 of us went down to make sure we could hand-deliver the things in a calm and peaceful manner.”

Despite rumors of potential unrest, the event was orderly, supported by community cooperation and a small police presence.

“Everything went smoothly, and we’re proud of the people for that,” Stephens shared.

Residents embraced him with gratitude. “The people were very happy to see me. They know I’ve been doing these things for years,” he proclaimed. And with good reason.

Stephens’ legacy in the community spans decades—from launching the Russia Youth Club at age 20, to sponsoring sports programs in the parish, to staging charity events like Unity Splash to support the infirmary and local initiatives. His most recent project was raising funds to assist with medical expenses for his friend DJ Stitchie last year.

The truth is, none of his past experiences prepared the Jamaican music ambassador for what he saw firsthand when he walked with his family through the damaged community he once called home after distributing supplies.

“Let me tell you… it’s like when you see war on TV. Homes dismantled like bombs dropped… It’s disheartening. You have to stand up strong not to lose your mind. It is that bad.”

An elderly woman he met in the community’s passionate words still echo in his ears.

“Richie, I don’t have a house to live in again,” she said in a voice that captured her pain. “How do you even understand what she’s going through? It is incomprehensible.”

Beyond the physical destruction, Stephens noted that the nationwide ripple will have long-term effects.

“St. Elizabeth is one of the leading parishes providing food. Now there’s a shortage. Everything is going to get expensive. We all will be affected,” he reasoned.

Even so, he believes Jamaicans will rise again.

“We don’t have any choice but to bounce back. We’re naturally strong and resilient. It may take years, but for sure we’re going to bounce back and be even better.”

Stephens also defended the visibility of charitable efforts.

“Some people prefer to give in secrecy. There is nothing wrong with that. But people who spend their hard-earned cash, drive long distances, and put in the work must be given credit. Posting what you’re doing mobilizes the public to help. It shows unity and care,” he reiterated.

His commitment is unwavering, and he is in it for the long haul.

“I’m fully committed… None of us can do this on our own. We really need support, especially from the Jamaican diaspora overseas.”

That support, which has already started, will gather momentum at the upcoming Hurricane Relief Charity Concert at the UBS Arena in Queens, New York, on Friday, December 12, where Stephens will perform alongside Shaggy, Inner Circle, TOK, Kes the Band, and others.

“The UBS benefit concert is another opportunity for me to give of my time to help my Jamaican people. I have a lot of respect for Shaggy—he’s always there to help. The concert lineup is very strong. I’m looking forward to being a part of the show.”

He concluded the interview with a powerful message for both Jamaica and the diaspora, saying, “After every setback, there’s a comeback. It’s just for people to use the opportunity to make sure that the comeback is successful.”