Love for people spurs Rasheed Hammond to give back

Rasheed Hammond, son and road manager for reggae icon Beres Hammond, said it's his "love for people" which inspired him to change a birthday celebration into a birthday relief drive to aid Hurricane Melissa victims.

"Once the hurricane had left Jamaica and the reality of the damage started to set in, I knew at that moment that Jamaica was going to need all the help we could get. So if there was anything that sparked my desire, it would be the love I have for my people, our country and humanity overall. I wasn't going to sit and watch our country go through this, knowing that I could assist," Hammond told THE WEEKEND STAR.

He said though he was never big on birthday gatherings, he felt compelled to do something this year.

"Birthdays come with a spirit of gathering, gifting and giving, so I decided to utilise those traits and dedicated my birthday to assisting the victims of Hurricane Melissa by doing this birthday relief drive," he added. The event, which was dubbed 'Rasheed Birthday Relief Drive', was held on Monday and was a partnership between Tuesday Service crew and his father's Harmony House recording label.

Scores of industry players such as the elder Hammond and Beenie Man were among the supporters who added a musical spice to the initiative. Patrons were asked to bring donations in the form of food, non-perishable items and/or building materials. Hammond expressed gratitude to his partners, donors and his team of "selfless" individuals who've already been on the ground giving back to the "most overlooked communities". The team has already visited multiple communities in Westmoreland and donated close to 1,000 care packages, as well as building materials.

Hammond, who is also the operations coordinator at Harmony House, said the area is also being used as a drop-off point and urged other supporters to rally around and contribute. He underscored that his dad's "humility' and role as a silent giver, played a pivotal part in his innate desire to serve humanity.

"He is one of the most unselfish, most caring people I know. I have witnessed him giving back in so many ways and he's been doing this all my life. Most times he doesn't even want anyone knowing it's him, which speaks to how humble he is. His love for people and overall his humility is unmatched. I am grateful that I have such an exemplar as a father," said Hammond.

He also praised the united efforts from the entertainment fraternity and others in and around the diaspora for the 'all hands on deck approach' in an effort to rebuild.

"I salute everyone who has been active in whatever capacity they are lending their support to the people - entertainment industry or not - I salute you," he reiterated.