‘More sun’ - Capleton wants increase in solar projects following Hurricane Melissa

Reggae artiste Capleton believes the devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa should be a national wake-up call for Jamaica to urgently strengthen both its farming sector and its investment in alternative energy.

The 'Fireman', known for his long-standing advocacy around environmental consciousness, said that the storm impacted some members of his family directly.

"It shows just how vulnerable we are to the elements of nature. My heart goes out to everyone affected," he said. He urged the country to rethink how it treats agriculture, stressing that Jamaica has the natural resources to feed itself if it uses its land more effectively.

"Well, it's been said that St Elizabeth is the breadbasket; however, all of Jamaica is fertile, so we need to use up more of our country for food production and improve our access to water, and encourage each household to use their garden to grow some food," he said.

He opined that alternative energy is also a critical part of Jamaica's resilience. Long known for chanting "More fire", Capleton said the sun has always been central to his message.

"Definitely, each household needs to have more solar devices such as solar lights, and even solar generators, to harness the energy from the sun for electricity. The country can invest in major solar projects like they have done in South Africa, Kenya and Ghana. We can also pursue using our water as hydropower to generate electricity, like Norway," he said.

Capleton argued that if Jamaica had embraced these forms of renewable energy earlier, critical services would not be crippled during natural disasters.

"We would not lose electricity when a natural disaster occurs, especially in critical facilities such as hospitals, fire stations, and emergency operations centres. Also, solar and hydropower is better for the environment, which means we won't have these extreme weather conditions," he said.

He welcomed the Governnment's decision to allow Jamaicans to import solar equipment duty-free, calling it a step in the right direction. But he stressed that water access, especially for farming, must also be prioritised.

Despite the widespread damage across the island, Capleton said the resilience of Jamaicans continues to inspire him.

"Well, rebuilding is never easy; however, Jamaicans are proud people, and I am happy to see that many people who have lost their roofs have built new roofs already. I am happy to see how Jamaicans have reached out to help each other; and once there is life, there is hope. I myself will be doing all I can to assist those in need, and I will be putting a special focus, also, on the children affected with tablets and school supplies," he said.

With his trademark fire still burning, Capleton said he hopes Melissa sparks deeper national conversations about self-sufficiency, sustainability, and unity, principles he has long championed through his music and philanthropy.