Jamaica to di world - Hope says international celebrity aid underlines island’s influence

With big names in the entertainment space including DJ Khaled, Nicki Minaj, Drake and most recently Tyrese Gibson all playing their part in the rebuilding of Jamaica following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, Professor Donna Hope suggests it is a testament to Jamaica's influence worldwide.

Speaking with THE STAR yesterday, Hope said that the love Jamaica is currently feeling, while not unfamiliar, carries additional weight given our current situation.

"It speaks volumes towards Jamaica's visibility culturally. Whether it is as a kind of cultural Mecca for music or for the network that we have created of sportsmen and women, many people see Jamaica as important to their idea of self," Hope explained.

"I also think that with the rise of social media and the collaborations it provides with platforms like TikTok, Jamaica has become even more extremely visible in recent times. And those same eyes were all tuned in [to] Jamaica when disaster struck," she added.

Her comments come fresh on the heels of Fast & Furious star Gibson's arrival in Jamaica, equipped and ready to provide assistance to those most in need.

"We're boots on the ground in Jamaica. God gave me this vision...when you have unbearable fate, all of a sudden someone who can donate a private plane sits in the backseat and tells you not to worry," the actor said on his social media pages.

"We're even calling political figures out here making sure all things that we are raising from the money to all the resources goes straight to the people of Jamaica. You know how they be charging tariffs and charge folks from importing things into the country...we've gotten past all the red tape and all the politics," he added.

With all this effort, Hope's greatest wish is that after Jamaica bounces back, the support doesn't stop.

"As a people I think we are so grateful and appreciative of everything we have received and all that is to come. I am just hoping that as we rise again, we find ways to maintain this level of connection. That can prove to be even more beneficial to Jamaica in the long run, and I look forward to that," Hope told THE STAR.

"After all, for many people looking on, Jamaica is a pearl and they want to help see it shine brighter tomorrow, and many days after that," she added.