Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea, along with Romeich Entertainment, has stepped up to provide much-needed aid to her homeland in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. The Category 4 storm hit Jamaica on July 3, causing significant damage across the island. Shenseea and her team at Romeich Entertainment quickly mobilized to distribute care and relief packages to the most affected communities.
My last 48hrs has been wholesome as I prepared and distributed care & relief packages to my home parish that has been drastically affected by HurricaneBeryl I’m so grateful God put me in a position to take care of my people!
Shensea stated via her Instagram post
Hurricane Beryl brought winds up to 140 mph, wreaking havoc, particularly in southwestern Jamaica. The storm resulted in flooding, downed power lines, and extensive property damage. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a major disaster area and imposed an island-wide curfew from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to ensure public safety and prevent looting.
Shenseea and Romeich Entertainment’s relief efforts included distributing essential supplies such as food, water, and hygiene products. Their swift response has been crucial in providing immediate assistance to those in dire need. Residents have expressed immense gratitude for the support. “Shenseea and Romeich Entertainment’s assistance has been a beacon of hope during this challenging time,” said a resident from Kingston. “Their efforts have made a significant difference in our community.”
Romeich Major, CEO of Romeich Entertainment, emphasized the importance of community support in the face of such disasters. “Our team is dedicated to helping our fellow Jamaicans rebuild and recover,” Major said. “We are committed to providing as much support as we can during this critical period.”
As Jamaica continues to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, around half of the island remains without power. Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has been conducting remote assessments and is waiting for the all-clear from emergency management to start ground assessments and restoration work.
Communication networks also suffered significant disruptions, with Digicel, a major cell provider, working on network restoration. The island’s three major airports—Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, and Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios—were closed as a precaution but have since started to reopen.
Shenseea’s involvement, alongside Romeich Entertainment, highlights the critical role of local celebrities and businesses in disaster response efforts. “It’s vital that we come together as a community to support each other,” Shenseea stated in a social media post. “Romeich Entertainment and I are dedicated to helping Jamaica rebuild stronger than before.”
Hurricane Beryl, one of the strongest storms to hit Jamaica in recent history, underscores the increasing intensity of tropical storms in the Caribbean. Scientists attribute this trend to climate change, with warmer sea temperatures and cyclical weather patterns contributing to the rapid intensification of hurricanes.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an 85 percent chance of higher-than-normal storm activity for the 2024 hurricane season, expecting 17 to 25 named storms. Of these, eight to 13 could become hurricanes, with four to seven reaching major hurricane status (Category 3-5).
As the Caribbean braces for a potentially active hurricane season, the collaborative efforts of individuals like Shenseea, organizations such as Romeich Entertainment, and the resilience of local communities will be vital in mitigating the impact of future storms. The Jamaican government continues to work closely with international aid organizations to provide ongoing support and resources to those affected by Hurricane Beryl.
