Entertainers doing a better job than government in hurricane relief efforts

The WhatsApp poll, which ran from November 6 to November 11 and gathered 108 responses, asked participants: “Which group is doing the best job at the moment leading Jamaica’s hurricane relief efforts?”

The results were decisive. A commanding 75 votes, representing nearly 70% of participants, were cast for “Entertainers/Celebrities.” This group’s overwhelming popularity in the relief efforts stands in stark contrast to the “Government of Jamaica,” which garnered a mere nine votes.

“The people have spoken, and their message is clear,” said a reader who responded to the poll. “When we see our favourite artists and influencers on the ground, handing out supplies, rebuilding homes, and using their platforms to gather resources, it feels immediate and genuine. That direct action is resonating deeply with citizens who are still struggling.”

The poll results paint a picture of a populace placing its faith in the hands of charismatic individuals and grassroots movements rather than traditional institutions. The formal “Private Sector” failed to register a single vote, while “Charity Groups” received eight votes. “The People’s National Party (PNP),” “The Church,” and “Vloggers” each received two votes, and six participants selected “None,” suggesting a degree of disillusionment with all organized efforts.

The findings highlight a significant perception gap. While the Government of Jamaica has been coordinating a national relief strategy through official channels, the visible, hands-on approach of celebrities on social media appears to have captured the public’s confidence and gratitude.

Old Harbour News Managing Editor Andrew Hancel, commenting on the poll’s implications, stated: “This isn’t necessarily a vote against the government’s competence, but rather a vote for perceived empathy and efficiency. In a crisis, people are drawn to the most visible and relatable sources of aid. Entertainers, with their massive followings and ability to act outside of bureaucracy, can create a powerful narrative of direct help.”

The Old Harbour News poll, while limited in its sample size and conducted on a single digital platform, offers a compelling snapshot of public sentiment during a critical period of national recovery. It suggests that in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the traditional hierarchies of leadership and relief are being powerfully challenged by the influence of celebrity and direct community action.