Harmonies of Hope hurricane benefit concert for Canada next week

Jamaica Gleaner | 2025-12-03 | Original Article

TORONTO:

 

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is throwing its full support behind Harmonies of Hope, a star-studded benefit concert set for December 10 at Toronto’s Meridian Arts Centre, as the island works to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

 

For Angella Bennett, the JTB’s regional director for Canada, the event represents far more than an evening of music – it is a lifeline for communities and a critical step toward restoring Jamaica’s tourism sector.

 

“There is so much at stake here if we’re not able to revive our tourism sector because we are looking at almost 350 direct and indirect employment to tourism in Jamaica which amounts to 30 per cent of our GDP in earnings,” she said.

 

The benefit concert, born just one day after the hurricane struck on October 28, is the result of swift coordination among prominent Jamaican-Canadian leaders. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University, and Wes Hall, Chancellor of the University of Toronto, were invited by Bennett to champion the initiative. Hall has since secured approximately CDN$1 million in sponsorship, a boost Chin-Loy Chang described as transformative.

 

“The greatest impact was on the north coast, Montego Bay, where many tourists go and then when you look at the south coast, which was flattened, it was horrific,” said Chin-Loy Chang.

 

She said all of the funds will go to three charities – Food For The Poor Canada, Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation, and Sandals Foundation – that are credible and accountable. All three organisations have active operations on the ground, ranging from school construction to direct aid for displaced hotel workers.

 

Among the first to back the initiative was philanthropist and Gupta Group CEO Reetu Gupta, who pledged a total of CDN$50,000 split between Food For The Poor Canada and Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation. Gupta had already donated an additional CDN$50,000 through GlobalMedic immediately after the hurricane, helping to send emergency kits to affected areas.

 

“I feel very proud to be able to help Jamaica. I think Jamaica has given so much to the world and so now it’s our duty to be able to give back,” she said.

 

The concert will feature acclaimed performers, including Kardinal Offishall, Sean Jones, Quisha Wint, Jully Black, Mark Steele, and Renee Rowe – all delivering renditions from Bob Marley’s iconic catalogue.

 

“When we think about Bob’s timeless classics, each song that we’ve chosen reflects the journey of hope and the unity that defines Jamaica,” said Bennett.

 

While recovery efforts continue, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has set an ambitious target to fully restore tourism operations by December 15. Bennett reports rapid progress: water systems are 80 per cent restored, electricity 70 per cent, while telecommunications, transportation, and commercial activity have largely rebounded. Most hotel inventory remains available, enabling strong winter-season bookings – momentum reflected in Black Friday sales trends.

 

“One of the biggest ways people can support Jamaica is to book a trip to Jamaica. We have our website, visitjamaica.com, that has up-to-date reliable information on where to book, how to book, and how to support Jamaica,” said Bennett.

 

Doors open for the concert at 6 p.m. Showtime is 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and a reception is set to follow. Tickets are available for US$150 at Ticketmaster.ca

 

editorial@gleanerjm.com

 

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