Melissa’s destruction brings back memories for Flava

Five years ago he was homeless and buried in depression, but that's what propelled Billboard producer Kemar 'Flava' McGregor's desire to assist desperate Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa.

"In 2020, I was living on food stamps. I was joining the lines here in South Florida at the food bank so I can have food, something similar to what the people are doing there now in Jamaica - lining up to get food from donations. I went through some tough times here. At one point, I couldn't even afford to pay my rent, so I had to be staying with my sister. So I've been there, I know the struggles," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.

He said that what he sees now in Jamaica brings him back to 2020, and he hasn't had a good night's sleep since the hurricane.

"It's already having an impact on my mental state, just seeing the carnage, people in need and the pain. But I pray to God I can go there and be strong for the people," he said.

Being a 'Gilbert baby', McGregor said that although he was a youngster when that hurricane hit in 1988, he remembered the family house being badly damaged. They had to seek refuge in a community centre and collected care packages from the church for meals. However, he said Melissa was the worst disaster he has seen.

Through his efforts under his Billboard King Foundation, a chartered flight consisting of items, including beddings, pop-up tents, toiletries, clothing, food, water, Starlink devices, and generators, is expected this weekend. He is targeting marooned areas in sections of western parishes. His team will also be assisting persons in other parts of the island. McGregor said he plans to make his contributions a long-term investment, with plans to rebuild houses, schools and churches in the near future.

"I remember praying to God to take me out my situations and now God bless me, so I have to honour Him," he said, while advising those impacted not to give up.

McGregor has already dropped an emotionally charged single by Elephant Man titled Covered. He is currently working on a Melissa-inspired, reggae-infused single titled Jamaica On My Mind, featuring various artistes.