When Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica, Judith Falloon-Reid, a Jamaican residing in Panama, noticed what was coming lengthy earlier than the storm made landfall. She had lived via main hurricanes whereas doing aid work in the US and The Bahamas. Watching the storm develop introduced her what she described as a sense of déjà vu, and she or he knew Jamaica would wish assist. That early consciousness pushed her to prepare a aid live performance in Panama to assist restoration efforts even earlier than the storm reached the island.
A Fast Choice to Begin “Rise Once more Jamaica”
Falloon-Reid and her husband, Michael, personal the Reggae Café in Puerto Armuelles. With no different first-generation Jamaicans within the space, they felt it was the pure place to begin. “For us it was a no brainer to prepare a fund raiser at our place,” she instructed Xavier Murphy from the Jamaicans.com workforce. They named the occasion Rise Once more Jamaica.
Their first name was to Jamaican musician Dudley Quest, adopted by buddies who had not too long ago shaped a band. The assist got here collectively shortly, and folks traveled from as much as two hours away to assist increase funds for Jamaica.
Constructing a Second Live performance in Panama Metropolis
Figuring out that Panama Metropolis had a bigger Jamaican and Caribbean group, Falloon-Reid expanded the hassle. She reached out to Jamaican creator Diane Batchelor, who urged calling the occasion From Panama With Love. A Panamanian good friend, Ernesto, provided his Casa Colon restaurant because the venue.
With assist from Allison and native band Shorty and Slim, and with IrieTimes.com agreeing to stream the live performance on-line, the second occasion took form. As a result of each venues might maintain solely about 50 individuals, streaming was vital in reaching extra supporters and inspiring donations.
A Combined Neighborhood Got here Collectively
The viewers on the Puerto Armuelles live performance consisted principally of expats from a number of nations. On the Panama Metropolis occasion, the gang was made up of Caribbean nationals, together with many Jamaicans. Honorary Consul Judith Edwards attended, together with former Jamaican Movie Commissioner Rene Robinson and the spouse of the German ambassador, Could-Ann Mets-Schimellin, who can be Jamaican.
Selecting Performers Was Easy
Falloon-Reid, a spoken-word artist, carried out on the live performance. The opposite performers have been volunteers who provided their expertise on brief discover. Her purpose was to assemble anybody prepared to assist Jamaica in a second of want.
A Night time Stuffed With Objective
Whereas individuals loved the music, Falloon-Reid stated there was a transparent sense of urgency within the air. The crowds have been small due to venue limits, however the group gave generously. Supporters got here prepared to assist, and attendees understood the purpose of the occasion.
Guaranteeing Funds Reached Jamaica Shortly and Safely
To ensure donations made a direct impression, Falloon-Reid partnered with Jamaica Youth for Christ (JYFC). She and her husband have volunteered with the group for many years and trusted that 100% of the funds would go towards aid efforts already taking place on the bottom.
Funds have been wired to JYFC, and Falloon-Reid personally introduced extra funds when she traveled to Jamaica to assist with restoration.
A Mixture of Gratitude and Unhappiness
Seeing the donations are available in introduced combined feelings. Falloon-Reid stated it felt good to contribute however overwhelming realizing the extent of want again residence. She in contrast it to including “one-one cocoa” to a really massive basket, realizing that restoration would take time and ongoing assist.
Strengthening Diaspora Connections in Panama
The trouble introduced Jamaican and Caribbean communities in Panama nearer collectively. The workforce even reached out to the Panama Metropolis Mayor’s workplace, because the mayor has Jamaican roots. They realized that the town was already making ready to ship assist and expressed curiosity in cooperating on future efforts. Falloon-Reid stated the initiative elevated consciousness of Jamaican tradition, particularly in her a part of Panama.
Challenges and Limitations
Organizing the concert events got here with few obstacles. Venues have been obtainable, and folks understood the disaster due to worldwide media protection. The primary limitation was the dimensions of the venues, however the workforce made one of the best use of what was obtainable.
How Donations Have Helped So Far
Based on Falloon-Reid, the funds raised have already made an impression. JYFC has supplied meals, clothes, medication, and different necessities to communities in Western Jamaica. By November 30, their groups had made seven journeys and reached greater than 700 households.
Falloon-Reid additionally partnered with Dr. Opal Palmer Adisa and poet Malachi Smith on a e-book drive for kids. JYFC supported the hassle by offering meals, refreshments, and books for faculties.
A Message to the Diaspora
Falloon-Reid inspired Jamaicans overseas to take motion in no matter approach they’ll. She stated rebuilding will take time and requires each effort, from supporting single households to aiding faculties or whole communities.
A Lengthy-Time period Dedication
Falloon-Reid stated the work is way from over. She is at present in Jamaica doing aid work and is figuring out a primary faculty to assist as a part of a long-term initiative.
