‘The need is urgent’: Jamaican Jerk Festival on Sunday to collect donations for Hurricane Melissa relief

It’s a festival, but it’s also a helping hand.

As part of this Sunday’s 23rd Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, guests are asked to bring relief supplies — especially nonperishable foods — to be sent to devastated communities in the Caribbean nation after Hurricane Melissa. Also needed: water, clothing and hygiene essentials.

“The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival has long been a cherished gathering for Jamaican and Caribbean culture, and this year’s festival means more than ever,” said Eddy Edwards, president and CEO of Jerk Festivals USA. “As our island home recovers from unimaginable devastation, we’re calling on South Florida to stand with Jamaica.”

All donations collected through this “Bring a Can, If You Can” initiative, in partnership with Connex Air Cargo and SSMC Xpress International couriers, will go to hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica, especially the rural areas on the Western side that bore the brunt of Melissa, one of the most devastating hurricanes in the island’s history.

“The need is urgent — for food, shelter and the rebuilding of lives,” Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair said. “I urge everyone in South Florida to give what they can, to help our families and communities rebuild an even stronger Jamaica.”

Festivalgoers are asked to drop off their donations at the SSMC Xpress International couriers booth, or to contribute through the event’s website at jerkfestival.com. Miami’s Connex Air Cargo will airlift shipments into Kingston.

“The welfare of our communities is our utmost priority, especially during challenging times like the present,” said Christopher Morris, Florida operations manager for SSMC Xpress International. “We are committed to deploying our resources and working diligently to provide and support for hurricane relief efforts. Together, we will facilitate rebuilding and recovery. It is the right thing to do.”

Added Luke Hamilton, chairman of Connex Air Cargo: “Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Jamaica. This partnership is more than logistics — it’s about community, compassion and connection. We’re honored to use our network and aircraft to help deliver hope where it’s needed most.”

True to its name, the festival will offer all kinds of island fare such as jerk pork, jerk fish and jerk veggies, as well as Jamaican favorites including oxtail, curry goat, escovitch fish and roasted corn. There will also be cooking demonstrations, cook-offs and an entertainment lineup with the Code Red Band, Destra, Romain Virgo, Mr. Vegas, Bro Gary, The Wailers, and DJ Supa Sound featuring Supa Twitch.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: 23rd annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival

WHEN: 1-10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9

WHERE: Miramar Regional Park,16801 Miramar Parkway

COST: $49.92 for general admission, $188.38 for VIP

INFORMATION: jerkfestival.com

ANOTHER FUNDRAISER THIS WEEKEND

Also on Sunday, a free concert will raise money, food and clothing for Jamaican hurricane relief.

Steve Higgins and the South Florida Caribbean Chorale will perform at 3 p.m. at St. Benedict’s Episcopal-Anglican Church, 7801 NW Fifth St., Plantation.

In addition to monetary donations, they will collect nonperishable canned goods and gently used clothing.

“People are devastated and many have lost everything they had,” Higgins said. “We need South Florida to step up and be generous for the people of Jamaica.”

For more information, visit stevehigginsproductions.com or call 954-670-3499.