MoBay mayor's charity concert exceeds J$7m target
Published:Tuesday | December 10, 2024 | 1:23 PMRochelle Clayton/Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon is now a happy man as he has managed to exceed the J$7 million amount he had targeted for his inaugural mayor’s concert, raking in over J$500,000 more than was projected.
“Revenue from the charity concert was $7,548,600.00. We are still clearing some expenses, but the team approximates a closing profit of $3,000,000,” the mayor told The Gleaner.
The charity concert was held last Thursday at Iberostar in Rose Hall, St James, and more than 250 patrons turned out to support the event, which had reggae/dancehall star Agent Sasco headlining the entertainment package.
“The attendees enjoyed themselves based on the feedback, the organising team met its sales target, and the charity fund made a profit. It was a success. Next year we will present a more stellar package,” said Vernon, who spoke glowingly of Agent Sasco’s delivery of his hit songs, Grateful and Banks of the Hope.
Over the years, the mayor’s charity fund is generally used to support humanitarian programmes and projects in Montego Bay and the wider St James.
Monies from Thursday’s event will go towards providing much-needed assistance to citizens living with chronic illnesses and other vulnerable groups.
Vernon noted that needy university students pursuing specialised degrees will also benefit through tuition grants. According to him, students who are pursuing the specific degrees are being encouraged to reach out to the mayor’s office for additional details.
“The idea is to provide full scholarships to students venturing into specific areas that will help to grow the municipality, such as public sector management, urban planning, statistics, and programming. Until then, we will continue to bridge gaps in an effort to enable young aspirants to ascertain an education while reducing the impact of homelessness and medical emergencies of those falling on hard times,” said Vernon. “The more we raise, the more opportunities are abound for our citizens.”
With the Christmas season beckoning on the horizon, young children and elderly shut-ins will also benefit from gifts and care packages from the proceeds. The mayor explained that citizens seeking assistance through the mayor’s charity fund are expected to undergo a screening process to ensure transparency and a genuine need.
GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS
“The funds we raise from charity initiatives such as the Mayor’s Charity Concert go directly to the Mayor’s Charity fund that is held by the St James Municipal Corporation. The guidelines of the charity fund ensure that people and organisations that demonstrate a justifiable need are considered for assistance. They are interviewed, asked to write letters, and provide an invoice from the payable institution. They’re not always destitute, but sometimes people with genuine needs,” said Vernon.
At the same time, the mayor expressed gratitude to the stakeholders and citizens of Montego Bay who supported Thursday’s charity concert. He stressed that the event’s aim is to offer financial support to residents, both young and old, who are experiencing difficulties affording their needs.
“I appreciate it. It was a good sign of commitment from Montego Bay. While many weren’t able to attend but contributed and sponsored, hundreds came out to enjoy the event,” said Vernon. “This concert is not just an event, it is a symbol of our collective commitment to making Montego Bay a better place for everyone. Jamaica needs a larger population and a sustainable socio-economic and built environment. A larger population will create a stronger labour force and a stronger market, but more importantly, we need a quality population, we need a productive population to create that environment.
“That is why our charity fund is dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing issues in our city. From providing scholarships to deserving students, to supporting those experiencing homelessness, to assisting with medical emergencies and other critical social programmes. Our mission is to ensure that no one in our community is left behind.”