On April 12, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) hosted a six-hour virtual fundraiser in support of health care professionals on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in Jamaica. The event raised approximately $370,000. The theme of the concert was “Telethon Jamaica, Together We Stand.”
The event, which was broadcast on VP Records’ YouTube channel and excerpted on Television Jamaica, featured performances from some of the island’s most popular artists and celebrities, such as Koffee, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Maxi Priest and Richie Spice.
“Telethon Jamaica, Together We Stand is a call to action to support our doctors, nurses and health care professionals during this challenging time,” said Donovan White, director of tourism for the JTB. “The donations made will provide essential resources to continue protecting our health care workers on the frontline and help fight the spread of COVID-19 across all our communities. I have been inspired by Jamaica’s display of solidarity thus far, and I am confident that as a resilient nation, we will get through this together.”
The YouTube channel also featured a live chat option, where viewers could submit their thoughts and feedback in real time in addition to leaving comments on the video itself. Themed merchandise was also available for listeners to purchase.
“The telethon was excellent,” wrote YouTube user Nelle Nelle. “There’s so much joy, encouragement and nostalgia on this Easter Sunday. I was exposed to a lot of new talented, beautiful people. Thanks and prayers to each and every one of you/them. I watched with my family from start to finish.”
