MoBay mayor’s ‘charity concert’ to benefit the vulnerable

WESTERN BUREAU:

Montego Bay’s most vulnerable citizens are set to benefit from the proceeds of Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon’s inaugural ‘charity concert,’ to be staged in the western city on December 5.

“This event is designed to increase support for the long-standing charity fund that remains a beacon of hope for the vulnerable among us and a stepping stone for our future leaders,” Vernon told journalists during a press briefing at the St James Municipal Corporation (SJMC) on Monday to announce the event.

Historically, the mayor’s charity fund is used to support humanitarian programmes and projects in Montego Bay and the wider St James.

This year’s event, which will be held at Iberostar in Rose Hall, St James, will have reggae artiste Agent Sasco, a renowned crowd-pleaser, as the main act. The concert is expected to kick off at 6 pm. Tickets are being sold at the municipal corporation for a cost of US$150.

The mayor said that much-needed assistance will also be provided to citizens living with chronic illnesses. He stressed the need for charitable events to assist in bridging gaps as many of the most vulnerable residents seek assistance through the various mediums available.

“Many of our fellow citizens struggle daily with economic hardships; hence, robust social safety nets are necessary. The Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) has been a lifeline for many, providing essential support to approximately 350,000 beneficiaries across Jamaica, and our Poor Relief Department provides support for over 1000 (persons) monthly,” said Vernon. “However, the demand for assistance continues to grow as we touch more hands and create a safe space for the people, and we must rise to meet it.”

“For several years, the Mayor’s Charity Fund has bridged our city’s gaps through partnership, providing housing relief, medical assistance for persons with chronic illnesses, and education grants. Therefore, proceeds from our concert will directly aid those seeking social assistance, supporting the mission of leaving no one behind. We will provide much-needed support to families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, helping them to navigate their respective challenging situations. We aim to reduce poverty and provide a safety net that prevents our citizens from falling further into hardship,” added Vernon.

Vernon said, however, that while the proceeds will go to vulnerable groups, special emphasis will be on the provision of tuition assistance to needy university students pursuing specialised degrees.

“Education is another cornerstone of our initiative. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated the disparities in our education system. Only 23 per cent of Jamaican children transition to tertiary education, with the richest quintile accessing it at a rate seven times higher than the poorest. This is a stark reminder of the inequities that exist within our society,” noted Vernon.

“To address this, we are launching a new component of the mayor’s charity fund dedicated to students pursuing degrees in public sector management, urban/environmental planning, statistics, project management, and programming. These scholarships will empower our youth, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to our community and our nation. And we believe these are critical areas for city development and municipal management.”

Vernon is promising that the concert will be a thrilling event. He said Agent Sasco was intentionally chosen to represent the “mission” of the Mayor’s Charity Fund.

“His song Banks of the Hope resonates deeply with our mission. The lyrics speak of resilience, hope, and the unwavering spirit of overcoming adversity. Just as the Hope River has been a source of life and sustenance, our concert aims to be a source of hope and support for those in need,” said Vernon. “Agent Sasco’s music reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, we can rise above them with hope and determination. His presence at our concert is a powerful symbol of the unity and strength within our community. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, much like the flowing waters of the Hope River.”