KINGSTON, Jamaica — Grammy-winning reggae superstar Shaggy has launched a major relief effort to help his homeland recover from Hurricane Melissa, describing the mission as deeply personal.
The Kingston-born musician, whose real name is Orville Burrell, told NBC6 that he’s partnering with Orlando attorney Dan Newlin to deliver aid directly to Jamaica, which suffered catastrophic damage and dozens of deaths from the powerful Category 5 storm.
“My country has been devastated by this,” Shaggy said. “My wife was on the ground at our home in Jamaica, and the destruction was horrendous.”
Through their partnership, two private jets filled with supplies — including water, medicine, flashlights, and basic necessities — are being flown to Kingston on Thursday, with a third flight planned for Saturday.
Once on the island, the supplies will be distributed to the hardest-hit communities through local coordination teams.
Newlin, who is helping fund and organize the effort, said the goal is to act quickly while infrastructure repairs are still underway.
“They don’t have the infrastructure that we do,” he said. “We’ve been blessed to live the American dream. This is our time to give back.”
Officials confirmed Thursday morning that multiple international airports have reopened, allowing thirteen additional relief flights to land in Jamaica by the end of the day.
For Shaggy, the mission is about love, gratitude, and giving back to the island that shaped him.
“Jamaica has given me everything,” he said. “Now it’s my turn to help rebuild.”
