Masicka Made Foundation teams up with Pepsi for continued Westmoreland relief

In light of the persistent need in Western Jamaica for support with housing, potable water and basic necessities nearly two months after Hurricane Melissa, dancehall artiste Masicka and his Masicka Made Foundation, supported by Pepsi-Cola Jamaica and its partners, delivered hurricane relief to the Westmoreland communities of Gordon District, Whitehouse and Kingswood Pen on December 21.

Working alongside local organisers, the foundation coordinated the distribution of 1,000 cases of water courtesy of Pepsi, 1,200 meals provided from KFC and Tastee Jamaica, as well as care packages containing food items, sanitary products, clothing, tarpaulins, tents and sleeping bags.

For some residents, the assistance marked their first time receiving direct aid since the hurricane. “Today is good because since the hurricane, I’ve been hearing about people going around with care packages and it’s the first time I am getting one,” said Whitehouse resident Novelet Alexander, who described the moment as long overdue.

One of the organisers and Westmoreland resident, Nevitha Robinson-Boothe who worked closely with the affected communities, said the outreach was especially meaningful given the widespread impact of the hurricane there.

“It’s nice to know that we’re able to restore hope and some positivity just before Christmas,” Robinson said. “From day one I’ve been here and I know these people on a personal level. Everyone was impacted, from the baby to the senior. So it really feels good to see everybody come out and be receiving of this gesture.”

Meanwhile, Director of the Masicka Made Foundation, Justin Fearon explained that Westmoreland was identified as a priority parish after the foundation observed severe damage in the western communities.

“We went to Slip in Saint Elizabeth recently and saw how heavily devastated it was,” Fearon said. “We’re really trying to hit all the parishes affected. Westmoreland was one we thought desperately needed help, so we came to Whitehouse and continued the give-back across the area.

” Fearon added that the foundation’s mission remains consistent, whether or not Masicka is physically present.“The Made Foundation is organised with one goal and that’s to help people in Jamaica,” he said. “If Masicka was here, he’d be happy with the efforts and the impact.”

Among those still struggling is Whitehouse resident Bruce Wallace, who lost his home during the hurricane and is currently staying with family. While grateful for the support, Wallace said the most pressing issue remains housing.

“A lot of people don’t have a house,” Wallace said. “Some places now have 14, 15, even 21 people living in one home because everybody house gone. We need more help house-wise."

Pepsi-Cola Jamaica partnered with the foundation and brought on KFC and Tastee Jamaica to support the relief effort. Pepsi-Cola Jamaica Brand Coordinator Stephan Bennett said the company remains committed to assisting communities in need.

“It is imperative to us that whenever the community is in need, we give back as much as possible,” Bennett said. “We will continue to do so as we rebuild better and stronger.”