London, 5 November 2025 – A powerful wave of compassion swept through East London today as community leaders, businesses, artists, and friends of Jamaica gathered under the banner “Together for Jamaica: Hurricane Relief Appeal.”

Held at Wanis International Foods in Leyton, the heartfelt charity event brought together people of all backgrounds to support victims of Hurricane Melissa, which has recently devastated several Jamaican communities, leaving homes destroyed and thousands displaced.

The morning began with a partner charity shopping session, where supporting organisations – The Garden, Here & Now 365, Newmont Travel, and BEN TV – joined hands to select essential food and household items for shipment to Jamaica.
Tilda Rice contributed a full pallet of rice, while Wanis International Foods added another pallet of mixed essentials. Other partners, including Tropical Sun, also made generous donations.

As the morning progressed, the atmosphere grew both emotional and energising.
By 11:00 AM, the event reached a high point with the arrival of legendary reggae artists Maxi Priest and Luciano, whose presence symbolised Jamaica’s enduring spirit and global cultural influence. Both stars actively participated in choosing items for donation, sharing moments of warmth and encouragement with organisers and volunteers.

“I’m happy and overwhelmed to see the support for Jamaica,” said Maxi Priest.
“The love we have given to the world through music, food, and culture is well noted. One Love remains our headline — Out of many, we are one people. Through our unity, we stand together.”

The Jamaican people are devastated about this hurricane and every effort should be made to save lives, properties and provide much needed immediate resources. Added Luciano.

The occasion also saw participation from dignitaries including Councillor Mayor Kate Anolue, Ambassador Alistair, and community figures Sanjay Wadhwani (Managing Director, Wanis International Foods), Paul Harrison (Head of Community, Wanis), and Paritosh Singhee (Senior National Account Manager, Tilda Rice).
They joined the artists for an official photoshoot and media interaction that captured the spirit of the day — solidarity, gratitude, and shared humanity.

“We want to play our part in this humanitarian relief. Whatever we can do to help, we do,” said Paritosh Singhee of Tilda.
“Food unites people. When Tilda came to the UK, the Caribbean community were among our biggest supporters, and we are proud to give back.”

Mentoring Cmdt Alistair and Cllr Kate Anolue praised the effort and reflected on the importance of African and Caribbean unity. Both called on other communities and organisations to extend their hands of support.

“This is not just a Jamaican cause,” Cmdt Alistair noted. “It is a human one. When one part of the global family suffers, we must all stand in empathy and prayer.”

The event concluded with the loading of packed donations into transport vans, ready to be shipped to Jamaica by the weekend.

Unity in the Community raised more than £2000 and also packed food stuffs and other materials for distribution.

Paul Harrison, who coordinated the event for Wanis, expressed heartfelt thanks:

“Coming together as friends of Jamaica from different walks of life shows the love people have for the island. Tilda gave a pallet of rice, Tropical Sun and other suppliers gave tremendously. Our unity is our strength.”

The mood turned reflective as Mr Yardie, one of the campaign’s strong voices, urged the UK Government to scale up its aid response:

“Jamaica deserves more than a token few million pounds. This is a nation deeply linked to the UK through history and shared contribution. While billions go to faraway countries, we must not forget our Caribbean family.”

From the smiles and solidarity seen at Wanis Foods, it was clear that this initiative was more than a charity event — it was a statement of humanity.
As the final boxes were loaded, one could sense the echo of Maxi Priest’s words lingering in the air:
“One Love — Out of Many, We Are One People.”

Other attendees included, Cllr. Sharon and Sandra from Waltham Cross, Micheal from Luton among others.