The Shaggy and Friend’s Concert, which has become a welcomed philanthropic effort in Jamaica, was held in January 2018 on the lawns of Jamaica House. This concert had a varied line up of Artistes, which included international performers such as Wyclef Jean and Doug E Fresh. Quite fittingly, Jamaican artistes such as Dexta Daps, Barrington Levy, Capleton and Trinidadian Calypso Artistes Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons also gave the crowd a treat.

For this concert artistes and sponsors came together with talent and funds to bring in a well needed $100 Million Jamaican Dollars to donate to the Bustamante Children’s Hospital. This hospital which serves the entire English-speaking Caribbean currently has only 5 beds in its Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This donation will do well for the hospital as they use it to add 5 more beds to the ICU.

Can I just take the time to say ‘Wow! This has truly made my day!’

It is so heart-warming to know that after Artistes have made a name for themselves, they decide to use their influence to benefit their community, and in this case the Caribbean. Truth be told, things tough out deh and this has been the continued observation in many Caribbean countries. This is why we need all artistes and other persons with means and influence to keep giving back to their communities. Now, just to be clear, I am in no way saying that all wealthy persons should give hand-outs, but if the resources and culture of our country has made us wealthy, then we should pay it forward by helping others in need, give back and watch it change lives.

It is not all good and well if Caribbean artistes and entrepreneurs flaunt their wealth on social media but never have one community outreach effort to be proud of. So, I applaud Shaggy through his Shaggy Make A Difference Foundation (SMADF) for bringing these well needed funds to the Bustamante Children’s Hospital. I also applaud from the grounds men, to the on-site staff, the Artistes and all the Sponsors who took the time to write a check in aid of this effort and also to those who supported in other ways. I also applaud the patrons who came out to enjoy the music and good vibes while giving to a worthy cause.

Then, lest I exclude those who may not be as famous, I encourage you all as members of society to also give your time, talent, and means back to your community. Trust me, even if it is a little, still give, because it goes a long way and it comes back eventually in truckloads!

Let’s start the spirit of giving today!

Keep peace, love, and laughter in you’ heart and walk good.

 

*Note that the opinions expressed here are those of the blogger and not those of management.

Sources:

www.shaggymakeadifferencefoundation.org

 

Shaggy’s Foundation Presents $100m Cheque To Bustamante Hospital for Children:

www.jamaica-gleaner.com

 

Shaggy Foundation Raised $100 Million For Children’s Hospital:

www.hypelifemagazine.com