Kevin Downswell, friends bring hope

Gospel star Kevin Downswell has been leading a humanitarian mission, comprising regular Jamaicans, volunteers, and gospel artistes, who are helping Jamaicans who have been displaced by Hurricane Melissa to recover.

"For the last three weeks, we've been on the ground in the west. Right after the storm passed, I reached out to a number of gospel artistes and said we need to come together, pool what we have, and move fast. People didn't only need food. They needed prayer, strength, hope, and someone to stand with them," he said.

The singer visited St Elizabeth during the first week of humanitarian efforts with other gospel artistes, including John Mark Wiggan and Prince Saj.

"We were in Lacovia, Middle Quarters, and a few other stops, handing out care packages, praying with families, and partnering with companies like KFC and others who stepped in to help. Everybody gave what they could, and it made a real difference," he said.

During week two, the singer led a group to western Jamaica. Gospel artistes DJ Nicholas and Chevelle Franklyn sent their contributions as they were unable to make the trip in person.

"Week two we were in Montego Bay, St James. Places like Catherine Hall, where the river came down and covered the whole community in mud, and Bogue Heights. We listened, encouraged, prayed, and did everything we could to lift the people there. Last weekend we went into Westmoreland. We visited Beeston Springs, Paradise, and a few other areas that were hit hard. The stories, the strength, the faith, the tears, the gratitude, it stays with you," he said.

Downswell and the team ensure that the mission scrounges up enough supplies of necessary toiletries, cooked food, and non-perishable goods to serve 250 people each time.

"The Jamaicans out west welcome the cooked food big time because they have no water, no shelter, and the food is pre-prepared, so it helps a lot. The best thing is to listen to their story and have a one-to-one conversation. Sometimes the people drop off and don't linger and talk to the people. But we try to listen to their stories ... even if you don't pray, just hold their hand and listen to their conversations. It means a lot to them that we listen," Downswell said.