Sean Paul will match $50,000 in donations for Hurricane Melissa victims in Jamaica

Sean Paul is supporting his native Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa by matching donations up to $50,000.

The Grammy-winning dancehall artiste took to Instagram on October 30 announce his campaign to provide relief to Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. As part of the effort, Sean Paul is asking for donations, which he will match through his foundation.

“Right now my island Jamaica is going through a very difficult time,” Paul captioned a video announcement. “Hurricane Melissa has caused severe damage, and many of our brothers and sisters are struggling: families have been displaced, homes have been destroyed, and communities need help.”

“Through the Sean Paul Foundation, we are working with Food For The Poor Jamaica to provide direct assistance to those affected,” he continued.

Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 300 km/h. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned that the impact could be be ‘catastrophic’, and one cyclone expert called it ‘the storm of the century’.

In the aftermath of the devastating storm, Sean Paul steps up to provide relief and encourage others to support the relief effort.

“I ask all my fans, friends and supporters worldwide: if you can, please give what you can,” Paul said. “Every donation counts, no matter how small. Together we can make a big difference. And to show how much this means to me, I will match every dollar raised, up to $50,000. Together we can double the impact and help even more families get back on their feet.”

The Jamaican government reported that about 140,000 people were cut off as the island suffered the storm. In the aftermath, authorities recovered at least four bodies in hard-hit St. Elizabeth Parish, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force confirmed eight additional deaths in Westmoreland, Hanover and St. James. Three more people died preparing for the storm.

Hurricane Melissa is believed to have caused at least 30 deaths after wreaking havoc in the Caribbean, marking one of the strongest Atlantic storms in more than 150 years. Heavy rains and strong winds caused widespread destruction in Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas, although the full extent of the storm’s devastation may not be known for days or even weeks.

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