Jamaicans urged to donate and show support for frontline workers

A long list of celebrities, athletes and politicians has joined forces with the government to raise some $1.3 billion to purchase personal protective equipment for frontline workers in the fight against the novel coronavirus.

The fundraising effort takes the form of a telethon, which starts at 3 p.m., this Sunday. It run for six hours and will be broadcast live by Television Jamaica.

Miss World 2019, Toni-Ann Singh, one of the many persons to have endorsed the event, said that doctors, nurses and other frontline workers are "doing an amazing job" in the fight against COVID-19 but they need help. "It is important that as a country and as a people we support them and ensure that they have what they need to continue to fight," Singh said.

Minister of Culture Olivia Grange said the Telethon is "the perfect platform for Jamaica to help itself overcome the crisis, using the strength of our cultural heritage to inspire our own people and the rest of the world."

"We pray for those around the world who have been infected that they may recover completely. We continue to think about those who have lost loved ones, and those who are at the highest risk, including our seniors, and our frontline healthcare workers. Our Reggae music has been a balm in troubled times and it my greatest wish that this Telethon, featuring some of Jamaica's best music ambassadors, will bring hope to everyone," Grange said.

Among those joining in the telethon in endorsement and/or performance will be the legendary sprinter Usain Bolt, reigning Miss World Toni-Ann Singh, Buju Banton, Koffee, Omi, Julian Marley, Spice, Cat Coore of Third World, Richie Spice, Marcia Griffiths, Richie Stephens, Ding Dong, Chris Martin, Kevin Downswell, Jermaine Edwards, Kukudoo, Lubert Levy, Rondell Positive, Sista Pat and Candy Isaacs.

Koffee, the 2019 Grammy winner, said the frontline workers are "risking their lives for us so it would be really good to donate". Dancehall artiste Konshens stressed that providing fromtline workers with PPEs would ensure that "they can stand a better chance on the battlefield".

For more information on the Telethon and how you can donate please visitwww.jatogetherwestand.com.