Hurricane Melissa: Jamaica plans worldwide benefit concerts
In light of the massive destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica plans to raise money for reconstruction through music. The US is helping the people of Cuba, but the government in Havana is being excluded.
Hurricane Melissa was the strongest to hit Jamaica in 90 years. It swept across the Caribbean island last week with wind speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, leaving behind widespread destruction and flooding. At least 28 people lost their lives. According to the Red Cross, more than 70 percent of the island's 2.8 million inhabitants remain without power.
"I love Jamaica"Jamaica's Ministry of Culture plans to raise funds for reconstruction through benefit concerts. Under the title "I Love Jamaica," reggae musicians will perform starting November 14th in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, as well as in London, New York, Toronto, and South Florida. The program is not yet finalized.
"As so often before, we turn to our reggae music - which has proven to be a healing balm and elixir not only for Jamaicans, but for the whole world in times of need and distress," said Culture Minister Olivia Grange.
Cyclone Melissa also left a trail of destruction in Cuba , Haiti , and the Dominican Republic . At least 59 people lost their lives.
The Catholic Cuban Bishops' Conference speaks of a "catastrophe of enormous proportions" following the hurricane's passage. In an urgent appeal, it calls for "international solidarity." The letter states that "food, clothing, mattresses, household goods, and roofing materials are needed in Cuba, especially for the elderly and the most vulnerable," as quoted by the "El Nuevo Herald," a newspaper published in Miami, Florida, a stronghold of Cuban exiles.
The US plans to give Cuba three million dollarsThe US government under President Donald Trump pledged $3 million (€2.6 million) in emergency aid to the Caribbean island nation. The US State Department announced that the humanitarian aid, in cooperation with the Catholic Church, would be distributed directly to people in the particularly hard-hit eastern part of the country.
Cuba has been subject to a US trade embargo for more than six decades. The administration in Washington declared it would provide immediate humanitarian aid "directly and through local partners" without involving the communist government in Havana. The Cuban leadership called this "unworthy."
The socialist government consistently argues that the chronic supply crisis in Cuba is caused by the US embargo. However, according to the US, humanitarian aid, basic foodstuffs, and essential medicines are not covered by the embargo.
Haiti: three days of national mourningDue to the dramatic consequences of the hurricane that struck on Monday, the government of already impoverished Haiti ordered three days of national mourning.
According to civil defense officials, at least 30 people have died in floods and landslides in Haiti. Authorities have declared a three-month state of emergency for some regions of the Caribbean nation in light of the devastating damage.
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