Thankful residents of the Beeston Spring community in Westmoreland are lauding efforts by entertainer Sean Paul, who has assisted in the restoration of homes and provided needed hurricane relief.

Sean Paul flew in via helicopter in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage and shared in their grief. He immediately sprang into action, assessed the damage and then provided support for the building of two homes and the replacement of the roof on another dwelling.

“He came into Beeston Spring, after the massive effect of Hurricane Melissa, where it destroyed 98 per cent of all the horses, whether timber or concrete, right there. He stepped in and just started giving the light, giving, and what he did was really awesome. He came first with food packages. He came with tarpaulins, and he came with lights,” stated events coordinator at the Beston Spring Apostolic Church, Teenah Jamieson.

Adding that the entertainer asked her to take charge of the distribution of the things that he was giving to the community, Jamieson said she followed his instructions and located persons in need.

“Then he came back, and he gave me a total roof repair, and I am grateful to the Sean Paul Foundation,” she said in an interview.

Stressing that during what she calls “the second phase of his visit” to the area, she said Sean Paul gifted them with a solar system. People can come to the church [and] plug their phones for a reliable recharge… The community is really appreciative of Sean Paul and his Foundation. He came in and not just touched [us], he rebuilt life. He gives us hope,” she said.

For Astil Cage, president of the Beeston Spring Community Development Committee (CDC) Benevolent Society, the support brought happiness to the community, and “it really makes an impact on our community, and we want to show our appreciation, and we thank you for what you are doing”.

Meanwhile, the entertainer said viewing videos of the devastation caused by the hurricane “made me tear up, but when I actually went there, it was more about shock”.

“No structure never stands, no church, no house, no kind of shop, literally everything on the side,” he said, adding that his support was “in love, my country, love the people here and just wish the best for us all, and I am thankful for the people putting me where I am”.