Kingston, Jamaica – November 17, 2025 – In a significant act of solidarity and support for the Caribbean nation, dancehall icon Bounty Killer and Grammy-winning music producer DJ Khaled have jointly donated $8 million (J$8 million) to four critical hospitals in western Jamaica. The substantial contribution, channeled through their respective philanthropic foundations, aims to bolster healthcare infrastructure and recovery efforts in the wake of the devastating Hurricane Melissa.
Bounty Killer, through his Bounty Foundation, and DJ Khaled, via his We The Best Foundation, each contributed $2 million, totaling $8 million. The funds are designated for Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland, Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth, Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny, and Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James. This initiative represents a crucial financial infusion for facilities that have been severely tested by the recent natural disaster.
Hurricane Melissa’s Destructive Path
Jamaica is still reeling from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm that made landfall on October 28, 2025. The hurricane unleashed widespread destruction, causing an estimated US$8.8 billion in physical damage, making it the costliest storm in the island nation’s recorded history. Western Jamaica, particularly the parishes of St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Westmoreland, bore the brunt of the storm’s fury, accounting for approximately US$5.5 billion of the total damage.
The hurricane’s devastation led to significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services, placing immense strain on the healthcare system. Reports indicate that facilities like the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital experienced direct damage, with its laboratory suffering flooding that rendered critical machinery inoperable. Similarly, Black River Hospital faced severe damage, necessitating the establishment of temporary field hospitals to continue essential services.
Prioritizing Healthcare in Recovery
Bounty Killer, known for his deep connection to his roots and his public persona as the ‘Poor People’s Governor,’ emphasized that supporting the health sector was a clear priority following the hurricane’s aftermath. Having witnessed the conditions of temporary field hospitals, he stated that direct aid to the established medical institutions was the most urgent initiative. “When I saw those field, hospitals put up after the hurricane, I said the first initiative is go to the hospitals,” Bounty Killer remarked, underscoring the vital role of healthcare in national recovery.
The donation is expected to make a tangible difference. For Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, the $2 million allocation will be used to acquire two arterial blood gas (ABG) machines. These diagnostic tools are essential for hastening patient diagnoses in critical areas like the Accident and Emergency and pediatric departments, particularly vital in post-disaster scenarios where resources are stretched thin.
A Legacy of Giving
This philanthropic endeavor by Bounty Killer and DJ Khaled is not an isolated event but rather a continuation of their established commitments to charitable causes. Bounty Killer, through the Bounty Foundation, has a long-standing history of community upliftment, providing aid for education, supporting struggling artists, and assisting vulnerable families. His philanthropic efforts are often described as stemming from genuine compassion and a desire to give back to the communities that shaped him.
Similarly, DJ Khaled, through the We The Best Foundation, has consistently dedicated resources to empowering youth, supporting community initiatives, and aiding those affected by crises, including providing essential supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The joint donation highlights a shared vision between the two entertainment figures to leverage their influence for significant social impact.
Broader Impact and Continued Support in the Caribbean
The $8 million donation arrives as part of a broader wave of recovery efforts across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region. International organizations like the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have deployed medical supplies and specialists, while several temporary field hospitals have been established to supplement damaged facilities. Other organizations, including Direct Relief and the Sandals Foundation, have also contributed essential aid and resources to support Jamaica’s recovery.
This news is more than just a financial transaction; it’s a powerful example of how figures in the entertainment industry can channel their success into tangible support for communities facing immense challenges. The commitment shown by Bounty Killer and DJ Khaled offers a much-needed boost of hope and practical assistance to the people of western Jamaica as they rebuild and recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa. This significant contribution underscores the resilience of the Caribbean spirit and the impactful role of private sector generosity in disaster response and recovery.