Shaggy Uses Private Planes for Jamaica Hurricane Aid

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, reggae and dancehall superstar Shaggy has stepped up in a major way. The Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Orville Richard Burrell, has organized the use of private planes to rush critical aid to his homeland.

Mobilizing Relief Efforts Swiftly

Even though Shaggy was in his second home in Miami when Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm – the strongest ever recorded on the island – he immediately began coordinating relief efforts. Anticipating the widespread destruction, he connected with friends like Florida injury attorney Dan Newlin and the U.S.-based Jamaican charity Food for the Poor, with whom he has a long-standing partnership.

‘When we realized that it was a Category 5, that we knew there was going to be a lot of destruction,’ Shaggy explained. ‘We have survived through [Hurricane] Gilbert, which was a Category 3, and that was devastating as is. So what we decided was to be ahead of the curve.’

Flights Packed with Essential Supplies

Days after the storm, Shaggy shared videos showing a small jet loaded with vital supplies, including water, canned goods, and paper towels. He has since organized four relief flights from the U.S. to Kingston, each carrying much-needed items. ‘We also have the bay of the plane filled with supplies,’ he noted in one video, urging everyone to donate and help.

Collaborating with Dan Newlin, who could provide access to private planes, was a natural fit for Shaggy, given their previous work together. His wife, Rebecca Packer, was already on the ground in Jamaica, ready to assist with the distribution of supplies once the airports reopened on October 30th.

Focusing on Hard-Hit Communities

Shaggy is concentrating his relief efforts on the Black River and St. Elizabeth areas, regions that suffered severe damage but have received less attention compared to places like Montego Bay. He highlighted the incredible resilience and spirit of Jamaicans, noting how the community is coming together to clear roads and organize aid distribution.