CIGA Records hosts community feeding initiative

Newly launched CIGA Records ventured out of the studios and into the streets recently, to engage the residents of Grants Pen Avenue and the homeless within the New Kingston, Half-Way Tree and Cross Roads area through its community feeding initiative.

CIGA Records, w hich manages the portfolios of dancehall entertainers Shane-O and Beenie Man, launched officially in Jamaica on March 16. Coming from humble beginnings in the US Virgin Islands, Shawn Baptiste, the principal of the record label and talent agency, aims to feed not only the musical appetites of the public, but also provide for those who battle food shortage and hunger on a daily basis.

“It is an honourable deed to take part in charitable work, such as feeding the homeless and those who may not be without a home, but find it challenging to find food,” Baptiste said. He continued, “I was brought up with the value that ‘family comes first’, and to be loyal and kind. Anyone who comes around me is treated like family, it doesn’t matter if I’ve just met you or we have been friends for a long time; if I can help you, I will. Through a partnership with Righteousness Promotions, over 300 lunch boxes were prepared and distributed along with bottles of LASCO iCool water and juices, which were donated to the cause.

Members of CIGA Records spent a few hours speaking to the people about their wants and needs. There, he discovered that there were significantly more men than women on the streets, many of whom were asking for clothing instead of money.

“It’s the greatest feeling to assist someone less fortunate than you. People were grateful for the meals, and when we chatted with a few, they said that they generally receive meals, but not on a daily basis. They asked that we continue to assist, and some even asked that we bring other essential items,” Baptiste shared. “We give thanks for LASCO for their donation and to everyone who gave a hand to assist. Community means everything; without the community and the people, where would we be? Once an example is set, many will follow.”

Baptiste’s philanthropic efforts have been consistent and includes sustained support for the Queen Louise Home for abandoned and disabled children in St Croix, back-to-school supply and wellness initiatives, community sponsorships for youth and elderly programmes, and disaster recovery public-private partnerships. “I’ve found my purpose over the years, and that’s to feed the community in more ways than one. In order to make that global impact we want to make through the music produced by our talents, we must first instil a sense of pride and patriotism for their country and region,” he explained.

Baptiste added, “Islands around the Caribbean are still met with challenges of poverty and lack of employment opportunities. CIGA Records wants to contribute as best as possible to help the people, and instil a message that there is hope and people who care.”

In the mid-1990s Baptiste launched his first business, Marco St Croix Incorporated. Its success was underscored by his drive to success based on service to others. Next year, during Easter, the businessman will carry out another street and community feeding outreach. CIGA Records is serving up inspiration to persons who are turning their lives around and want better.

“We must have faith to go out on a limb, and so we intend on doubling our numbers next year – to hopefully feed up to 600 persons,” Baptiste said.