Right Now for Jamaica to Host Inaugural Gala for Hurricane Melissa Recovery

Celebrating the resilience of the Jamaican spirit by supporting relief efforts to recover and rebuild

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:34pm

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Right Now for Jamaica (RNFJ), a newly formed international relief organization, has announced its Inaugural Fundraiser Gala Dinner & Concert to be held on Saturday March 28, 2026. The event is dedicated to strengthening Jamaica's long-term resilience following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. Proceeds from the event will go directly toward rebuilding critical sectors in Jamaica, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Why it matters

The gala is a call to action for the global community to unite and ensure that recovery efforts result in a stronger, more self-sufficient future for Jamaica. As the island transitions from immediate relief to long-term rebuilding, the need for sustained partnership and investment remains paramount.

The details

The Inaugural Fundraiser Gala Dinner & Concert will take place at the Royal Ballroom in Bowie, Maryland and will bring together members of the Jamaican diaspora, corporate leaders, policymakers, and philanthropists. The evening's entertainment will feature a world-class lineup headlined by two-time Grammy-nominated reggae powerhouse and RNFJ Director, Etana. RNFJ has already made a significant impact on the ground, providing assistance in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica and adopting the hurricane-ravaged Percy Junor Hospital.

  • The Inaugural Fundraiser Gala Dinner & Concert will be held on Saturday March 28, 2026.
  • Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica in October 2025.

The players

Right Now for Jamaica (RNFJ)

A newly formed international relief organization dedicated to supporting Jamaica's recovery and rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

Audrey P. Marks

The Honorable Audrey P. Marks, former Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States, OJ Minister of Efficiency, Innovation & Digital Transformation and Member of Parliament, Manchester North Eastern, will receive RNFJ's Inaugural President's Award for her distinguished representation of Jamaica.

Antony Anderson

His Excellency Antony Anderson, Major General (Ret'd), current Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States and Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the Organization of American States, will be in attendance.

Ronald McKay

Ronald McKay is the President of Right Now for Jamaica.

Etana

Etana is a two-time Grammy-nominated reggae powerhouse and RNFJ Director who will headline the event's entertainment lineup.

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What they’re saying

“Our mission transcends immediate relief; we are dedicated to the sustainable renewal of the communities that form the heart of Jamaica.”

— Ronald McKay, President of Right Now for Jamaica

“As recovery transitions into long-term rebuilding, the need for sustained partnership and investment remains paramount. This event fosters meaningful partnerships that will drive measurable impact across the island.”

— Dr. Maurice Miles, Vice President of Right Now for Jamaica

What’s next

Tickets for the event are available for purchase at www.jamaicagala.com.

The takeaway

The Inaugural Fundraiser Gala Dinner & Concert organized by Right Now for Jamaica is a call to action for the global community to unite and support the island's long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. The event aims to foster meaningful partnerships and drive sustainable impact across Jamaica's critical sectors.