Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism praises Canadian Diaspora for its exceptional support

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has expressed profound gratitude for the Canadian diaspora’s extraordinary leadership and generosity in raising more than CAD$3 million in relief and recovery support for communities across Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

In the aftermath of one of the most severe storms in recent history, Jamaican communities have faced significant challenges. The swift mobilization of Jamaicans living in Canada — through targeted fundraising campaigns, relief concerts, community drives, and direct donations — has been a testament to the enduring bond between Jamaica and its diaspora abroad.

Minister Bartlett said: “The outpouring of support from our Canadian diaspora has been nothing short of inspirational. When our island called for help, our Jamaican family in Canada answered with leadership, compassion, and considerable contributions that are already making a real difference in people’s lives.”

Over the past few weeks, members of the Diaspora have consistently executed several initiatives to raise funds for families impacted by the hurricane.

These include an initial benefit concert held on Nov. 6 at the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) in Toronto, which raised over $51,000.00, along with an online funding drive that raised over $650,000 after just two weeks.

The JCA members have been working around the clock and similar efforts have been undertaken by other Diaspora communities and Associations across Canada.

Last week (Dec 10), the Harmonies of Hope benefit concert held under the patronage of Dr. Wes Hall, Chancellor of the University of Toronto and Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Chancellor of the Toronto Metropolitan University, raised a whopping CAD$2.3million and counting.

Harmonies of Hope worked with three humanitarian agencies to support this huge relief effort – Food for the Poor Canada, Sandals Foundation and Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation.

Said Minister Bartlett: “We are humbled and heartened by the generosity of our brothers and sisters in Canada. This shared commitment reinforces the enduring love for Jamaica that our diaspora carries with them — and proves that distances cannot weaken the ties that bind us.”

These contributions, which are aligned with Jamaica’s National recovery efforts, will help to support urgent humanitarian needs, community restoration, and long-term efforts to rebuild homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods for families hit hardest by the storm.

Donovan White, Director of Tourism wholeheartedly applauded the efforts of the diaspora groups highlighting the “positive impact the relief will have on many lives.”

Regional Director for Canada, Angella Bennett, who was integral in the execution of Harmonies of Hope also hailed the diaspora, especially stakeholders of the relief concert for the excellent production that “indeed brought hope through Jamaica’s powerful musical renditions of Bob Marley songs.”

In the Photo

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (R) pauses for a photo opportunity ahead of the Harmonies of Hope relief concert with L-R, Dr. Wes Hall, Chancellor of the University of Toronto and Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Chancellor of the Toronto Metropolitan University. The relief concert, held at the Meridian Performing Arts Centre in Toronto, attracted hundreds of friends of Jamaica, members of Canada’s travel industry and the Jamaican diaspora.