Sean Paul will match donations up to $50,000 to help those affected by Hurricane Melissa. The Jamaican dancehall singer disclosed this on Instagram on Thursday as he spoke about how the hurricane is affecting his native country.
“Right now, my island of Jamaica is going through a really tough time,” Paul wrote alongside a video of himself standing outside. “Hurricane Melissa has caused serious damage, and many of our brothers and sisters are struggling — families displaced, homes destroyed, and communities in need of help.”
“Through the Sean Paul Foundation, we’ve partnered with Food For The Poor Jamaica to bring relief directly to those affected,” the rapper noted.
“I’m asking all my fans, friends, and supporters worldwide, if you can, please give what you can,” said The “Temperature” rapper. “Every donation counts, no matter how small. Together, we can make a big difference.”
He then mentioned how committed he was to matching up $50,000 in donations. “And to show how much this means to me, I’ll be matching every dollar raised, up to fifty thousand dollars,” Paul wrote. “Together, we can double the impact and help even more families get back on their feet.”
Paul urged his followers to donate through https://www.foodforthepoorja.org/seanpaulfoundation.
“Let’s stand strong for Jamaica one love, one family, one nation,” he concluded. “Big up, and thank you for your support.”
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, October 28 as a Category 5 storm. It was the strongest to hit the island since record-keeping started 174 years ago, according to an Associated Press report.
Scientists Phil Klotzbach of Colorado State University and Brian McNoldy of the University of Miami said “Melissa’s 185 mph (295 kph) winds and 892 millibars of central pressure tied two records for the strongest Atlantic storm on landfall. The pressure — the key measurement meteorologists use — tied 1935’s Labor Day hurricane in Florida, while wind speed tied a 1935 hurricane and 2019’s Hurricane Dor.”
Melissa destroyed infrastructure and left many people without power while others were stranded on roofs.
Jamaica’s prime minister Andrew Holness assured affected communities of government support.
“We know many of you are hurting, uncertain, and anxious after Hurricane Melissa, but please know that you are not alone.”
He said that “recovery will take time, but the Government is fully mobilized.”
“Relief supplies are being prepared, and we are doing everything possible to restore normalcy quickly.”
From Jamaica, the storm headed north to Cuba, “bringing with it 115mph winds and heavy rain, and warnings of life-threatening storm surges,” BBC reported.
Over 30 lives in the Caribbean have been lost due to Melissa.
