Ghetto Youths Foundation pledges long-term support post hurricane

Ghetto Youths Foundation (GYF), the charitable organisation founded and directed by Stephen, Damian, and Julian Marley, has committed to "providing long-term support and upliftment to our brothers and sisters in Jamaica" following the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, 2025.

In the immediate days leading up to the storm's landfall, the foundation pledged to focus on both immediate aid as well as long-term rebuilding efforts. Major interventions to-date include a close partnership with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM). The global disaster relief agency is dedicated to delivering the most amount of aid to the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.

The two organisations have committed to the rebuilding of 100 roofs across three parishes. This work began in St Elizabeth during the second week of December and continued throughout the holiday season.

"Now is the moment for less talk and more action," Stephen Marley said emphatically.

Michael Capponi, CEO of GEM, stated: "Restoring basic human needs is critical to repairing both the infrastructure of impacted communities and the dignity of displaced families and individuals. Working in tandem with Ghetto Youths Foundation and the Marley family is especially meaningful because their legacy is so deeply rooted in the people and culture of Jamaica."

Building upon a long-standing partnership with Hotwire Communications, GYF has also sent three 22,000 watts generators to Westmoreland and St Elizabeth. Each generator can power an entire school, hospital, or shelter.

Jeff Lawson, vice-president of Engineering for Hotwire Communications, shared that since 2000, his company has supported Ghetto Youths Foundation in their Jamaica-based projects, including education, community-building, and connectivity.

"In this time of great need for the people of Jamaica, we are thrilled to provide these generators to support recovery and resilience."

Last November, the foundation partnered with the Perez Art Museum Miami, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, and The Miami Diaper Bank to host a "baby boxing" drive, collecting and boxing essentials for babies and mothers. The organisation received tremendous support from the community, corporate partners, and the extended Marley family, who spent the day packing 500 care boxes for babies affected by the storm.