BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE fundraising event proposed for G’Neika Liburd will take place today (Jan. 25) at 17 Degrees from at 5:00 p.m.
Liburd has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and is desperately in need of financial assistance to help offset the cost to assist with her travels overseas for medical attention.
Originally, Liburd’s family was looking into her travelling to Barbados for the surgery, but a hospital in the USA has agreed to provide the initial medical care at minimal charge and, according to her mother Kamoy Liburd, she would have to travel to Maryland on a number of occasions for treatment following the surgery.
They are expected to travel this weekend.
The event will feature Shakal Sex, Royalties, Kollision, Grand Masters, Small Axe and Nu Vybes Bands, as well as Dj Sugar Bowl, Dj Rinch, Dj Yardy, Evolution HD, Sweet Sista Sensia, and more.
There would be bouncing castles for children and all donations will be towards Liburd’s medical fund.
Adults will have to pay EC$20 to attend the event and children under the age of 10 are free, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
In a previous interview, coordinator of event Glen Hanley, who is the sound engineer of the Grand Masters Band, said that as a father his heart went out to the family of the six-year-old.
“I’m a father, I have kids and it is very sad when a child is sick. And as a parent, the first thing you think about is ‘What if it was your own child?’ So everyone is offering their services for free,” he said.
Gregory ‘Mention’ Hobson, lead vocalist of the NU Vybes Band International (De Sugar Band), called the event “a heartwarming venture”.
“I have kids and I’m sure other band members have kids, so it’s a heartwarming experience to be a part of something like this. So, regardless of this thing you hear about the bands and the violence, I think this is a good way to incorporate the bands in terms of unifying them. One torch going forward.”
G’Neika’s mother expressed her gratitude to the persons organising the event and all others who have so far contributed to her daughter’s medical fund.
Liburd said that she is overwhelmed by the kind gestures from members of the public who have been so willing to give from their hearts.
G’Neika’s father, Garrel ‘Young G’ Dorsett, who is also one of the local acts that will be performing at the event, said that words could not explain how deeply grateful and thankful he is for the support of the general public.
“To everyone who made a donation, and even to those who couldn't but kept G'Neika and her family in prayers and still praying, thanks to you…because prayers do work. And thanks to everyone abroad who also made donations.”
Dorsett said he would be performing three tracks from his mixtape; ‘Like Father, Like Daughter’ and another one that includes a personal song he did for his daughter several years ago called ‘G'Neika's Song’.
“Thanks to all the bands and local artistes that would be participating in the show tonight. It’s been a very long time since I last performed on stage but, to the public, I’m asking you to lend me your ears and listen to the words of the tracks.
“Thanks to my wife in New York for your support also and to G'Neika's little sister G'Myah in New York. Thanks again to the public for your support and to you also Kamoy. You've been a strong mother and I appreciate that deeply,” he said.
