| On Saturday, March 28th, 2026, the Royal Ballroom in Bowie, Maryland, was transformed into a beacon of hope and Caribbean solidarity as Right Now for Jamaica (RNFJ) hosted its Inaugural Fundraiser Gala Dinner & Concert. The sold-out event brought together diplomats, business leaders, and cultural icons to support the long-term rebuilding of Jamaica’s infrastructure following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, raising much-needed funds for relief efforts.
The evening was highlighted by the presentation of the Inaugural President’s Award to the Honorable Audrey Marks. Recognized for her relentless advocacy for the Jamaican diaspora, Ambassador Marks accepted the honor before a distinguished audience that included the Honorable Antony Anderson, Jamaican Ambassador to the United States.
The night’s mission was reinforced by RNFJ Vice-President Dr. Maurice Miles, a key leader in the Jamaican-American business community and a staunch supporter of RNFJ’s strategic vision. “What we witnessed tonight was the true power of the Jamaican Diaspora, Right Now for Jamaica isn’t just providing a temporary fix; we are implementing a blueprint for sustainable renewal. By focusing on critical institutions like the Percy Junor Hospital, we are ensuring that Jamaica doesn’t just recover—it emerges stronger and more resilient for future generations. The gala’s “Believe Beyond Belief” theme was brought to life through a world-class reggae showcase. Two-time Grammy nominee Etana delivered a soul-stirring performance, followed by high-energy sets from Mykal Rose & Ras Mista Fyah, Julian Junior Marvin, and the Legendary Wailers, who kept the audience on their feet in a celebration of Jamaican resilience. All proceeds from the event are earmarked for RNFJ’s pillars of recovery to focus on: Healthcare, Infrastructure and Education. To date, the organization has already facilitated over $100,000 in medical supplies to the parish of St. Elizabeth, with several school restoration projects slated to begin in the coming weeks. |
