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News > Latin America

Reggae Superstar Shaggy Gives Children's Hospital $100M From Charity Show

  • International recording star Shaggy

    International recording star Shaggy | Photo: Reuters FILE

Published 4 February 2018
Opinion

Over 450 pieces of equipment were purchased and given to the hospital following 2016's staging of the charity concert.

International recording star and U.S. veteran, Shaggy, present a ceremonial check valued at J$100 million to the Bustamante Hospital For Children on Thursday.

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The money was raised, by the Reggae performer, through his Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation, which helms his charity show Shaggy and Friends Concert. The Intensive Care Unit of the hospital is expected to be the main beneficiary of the donation. The ward, Shaggy earlier had pointed out, is in need of additional beds – it currently has only 5.

"The ICU is very small and cannot even hold an extra bed so we have to find a way to move forward. We are still going to need partners, which includes a good and affordable construction company. We also have 150 pieces of medical equipment to turn in but we need to have the building ready first," he said.

Orville 'Shaggy' Burrell had, last year, announced the ambitious target, which the foundation managed to meet. During the launch of the show, the philanthropist had said he was positive that the proceeds of the event could reach the goal the foundation had set.

Over the years, the artist's Make A Difference Foundation has contributed significantly to outfitting the children's hospital – the only facility of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean – with much-needed equipment.

Over 450 pieces of equipment were purchased and given to the hospital following 2016's staging of the charity concert.

The military vet also highlighted that expenses are “ridiculously high.”

“What we are doing is helping a government-operated hospital, that's all me ah seh. We are trying to make it easier for the government and to ease a burden,” he explained. The expenditure totaled J$50 million, but contributions from local and international donors covered the amount.

This year's concert was held on the lawns of Jamaica House and headlined by international icons Sting, Wyclef Jean, Doug E Fresh, Barrington Levy and Junior Reid. Local acts who lend their celebrity to the event were Aidonia, Shenseea, Ding Dong and Dexta Daps. Trinidad and Tobago husband and wife duo, Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons, also performed.

Shaggy retained his multi-role contribution as performer and host of the show.

The concert, which is staged every two years, started in 2009 and has raised more than J$400 million so far.

The hospital was named after the late national hero and former Prime Minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante, who was Jamaica's leader of government at the time it was formalized.

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