‘St Elizabeth is my humble beginning’ - Shenseea returns home to help rebuild after Hurricane Melissa

When international dancehall star Shenseea returned to St Elizabeth after Hurricane Melissa, it was not just a visit home; it was a painful walk through the parish that shaped her long before the world knew her name.

"St Elizabeth is my humble beginning," she said. "I used to go to the market and sell goods with my grandma after we've reaped them from her farm, and memories like these keep me grounded."

The parish was badly hit during the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which tore through western Jamaica on October 28.

Those childhood scenes are now sharply contrasted with what Hurricane Melissa left behind. Acres of once-thriving farmland lie flattened, livelihoods washed away, and families forced to start again. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green says the sector has suffered some $29.5 billion in losses following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. St Elizabeth, widely regarded as the breadbasket parish, suffered a devastating blow. Shenseea, who was born in Manchester and raised in St Elizabeth, feels the farmers' pain.

"To see the farmlands flattened now is just devastating, but the spirit of the people hasn't changed; strength and unity are still there, and it reminded me how my own resilience was built," Shenseea said.

Moved to action, the international star has stepped up to stand with her community as it rebuilds from the rubble. Last week, Shenseea led the distribution of more than 5,000 relief parcels containing food, water, shelter materials, household items and other emergency supplies to families most affected by the storm. She had earlier pledged to use proceeds from a recent performance in Dubai to fund the initiative.

"The Dubai proceeds made a big impact, but the volunteers are the ones who turned supplies into real relief for families," she said. "The police department and Chin's Construction Limited also played an integral role in helping to achieve a smooth and effective distribution," Shenseea added.

Beyond the parcels and practical support, Shenseea says her mission is also about restoring hope. She is urging survivors of Hurricane Melissa to hold firm to hope, reminding them that even in devastation, their strength remains intact.

"You're not starting from zero. Your strength is already carrying you forward, and you're not alone in this process. We're rebuilding together and every step counts," the artiste said.

- Natasha Williams