TORONTO — The sold-out benefit concert ‘Harmonies of Hope’, in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board, was charged with high energy as attendees braved the cold Toronto night to show their support.

There was plenty of star power on stage at Meridian Arts Centre in North York for last night’s event, with acclaimed artists including Kardinal Offishall, Sean Jones, Quisha Wint, Jully Black, Mark Steele, Hardcore Band and Renee Rowe all performing renditions from Bob Marley’s iconic catalogue.

The goal? To raise critical funds for those affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

Wes Hall, founder and chairman of WeShall Investments; Angella Bennett, Regional Director Canada, JTB; Donovan White, Director of Tourism, JTB

The title sponsor of Harmonies of Hope – WeShall Investments – is backed by Jamaican-born Canadian businessman, entrepreneur, Dragon’s Den investor and University of Toronto chancellor, Dr. Wes Hall.

Last night Jamaica’s strength was on full display, said Dr. Hall. “We have with us global leaders. We have diplomats, we have artists, we have business executives, we have educators, community members, friends of all standing from all across the country, all across our province, all across our city, and they’re here to help to rebuild Jamaica.”

The concert performers “are volunteers,” he added. “They gave up their time, they got the call two weeks ago, and here they are, and the show is going to be amazing.”

He added that the night’s music “is more than just entertainment. It’s healing. It is a reminder of who we are as a people, our resilience, that we’re powerful, we’re joyful, even in hardship.”

Mark Steele

Dr. Hall extended his thanks to Harmonies of Hope’s sponsors, partners, and all the attendees. “It’s a snow day,” he joked. “You could have just said, ‘I’m going to turn the fireplace on, I’m going to chill and watch Netflix’, but you didn’t do that. You came to support us, and you’re in solidarity with us. Hurricane Melissa has taken lives, in some cases, our walls, our livelihoods. But it did not take our spirit as a people. It did not take our determination, and it certainly did not take our love for one another.”

Dr. Hall also revealed how much aid Canada had raised for Harmonies for Hope in just 10 days: $2.3 million. All proceeds from the concert will support ongoing recovery and rebuilding initiatives in the areas of Jamaica most affected by Hurricane Melissa, and funds will contribute to infrastructure restoration, community support programs, and the rebuilding of critical services across the island.

“THE INDUSTRY THAT HAS DRIVEN OUR ECONOMY FOR THE LAST 50 YEARS IS BACK 71%”

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, was in attendance last night, along with Donovan White, Director of Tourism, and Angella Bennett, Regional Director Canada, with the JTB, plus a who’s who of the travel industry, Jamaican dignitaries and members of the diaspora and more.

“Jamaica is loved, respected and revered, and that Jamaican spirit is so infectious that it is impossible for you to resist us,” said Minister Bartlett, thanking attendees and Canada for the fundraising campaign, and for Harmonies of Hope. “On behalf of the government and people of Jamaica, [I want to say] how absolutely thankful and appreciative we are for this response tonight,” he said. “Especially Angella,” he added, noting how quickly the benefit concert came together.

Minister Bartlett updated the situation on the island: “We’re 80% recovered in electricity, and by Christmas, 90% of Jamaica will have full electricity. Water supplies are back to about 80% of our country. And I’m here to tell you that the industry that has driven our economy for the last 50 years is back 71%.”

That’s tourism, of course. “The tourism assets of Jamaica are back and ready for you.”

Bennett kept her comments short and sweet – “I know I stand between you and a very good show [so I will make this very quick,” she joked – and thanked everyone for attending, as well as all the travel companies who contributed incredible offerings for the auction, including Princess Hotels & Resorts, ACV, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Couples Resorts, Half Moon, Round Hill, TIFF and more.

Harmonies of Hope