Almost two weeks after Hurricane Melissa devastated large sections of Jamaica, leaving at least 45 people dead and thousands displaced, Brooklyn’s political leaders have rallied to support the island’s recovery efforts through a new initiative — “Brooklyn Backs Jamaica.”
The campaign, spearheaded by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, brings together a coalition of prominent officials, including U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke, District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Assembly Members Monique Chandler-Waterman, Brian Cunningham, and Phara Souffrant Forrest, State Senator Roxanne Persaud, and Council Members Crystal Hudson and Mercedes Narcisse.
- Advertisement -
The “Brooklyn Backs Jamaica” resource drive aims to collect essential supplies for families struggling in the aftermath of the Category 5 hurricane, the strongest storm ever recorded in the Atlantic. The initiative runs through November 26, with donations accepted at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Organizers are requesting items such as diapers, baby formula, body soap, feminine hygiene products, first aid kits, gloves, and other critical relief supplies.
“I’m proud to join the Brooklyn Borough President, the Jamaican Consulate, and my colleagues in government to support relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa,” said State Senator Roxanne Persaud. “By coming together and using Borough Hall as a collection site, we’re showing that our community stands united in compassion and action when our neighbors are in need.”
A Call to Action from Brooklyn
Hurricane Melissa’s impact has been catastrophic. According to Jamaica’s Emergency Management Office, the storm caused an estimated $6 billion in damages, affected over 600,000 Jamaicans, and damaged or destroyed more than 120,000 structures, leaving half the island without power. As of this week, more than 180 shelters remain open, housing over 2,400 people displaced by the disaster.
Borough President Reynoso called the devastation “absolutely heartbreaking.”
“Even now, more than a week after the hurricane hit, there are thousands of folks without a roof over their heads or electricity to power their lives,” Reynoso said. “It’s times like these when we must have each other’s backs. I’m proud to open Borough Hall’s doors as a drop-off site in partnership with the Consulate General of Jamaica and so many dedicated elected officials across Brooklyn.”
Brooklyn’s Deep Ties to Jamaica
Council Member Chi Ossé emphasized the borough’s strong connection to Jamaica, noting that New York is home to the largest Jamaican community in the United States.
“Brooklyn feels this pain deeply,” Ossé said. “We will never falter in our commitment to stand with our neighbors in hardship. My office is proud to support those affected by Hurricane Melissa alongside our colleagues and community partners.”
Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest echoed those sentiments, framing the effort as a reflection of Brooklyn’s enduring solidarity with Jamaica.
“I’m proud to partner with the Borough President and my colleagues to support our constituents and their loved ones in Jamaica who have been impacted by this devastation,” Souffrant Forrest said. “This is the true meaning of solidarity.”
A Community That Always Shows Up
The “Brooklyn Backs Jamaica” initiative continues a long tradition of New York’s Caribbean diaspora stepping up during times of crisis. With Borough Hall serving as a central hub, organizers hope to turn empathy into action — one donation at a time — as Jamaica begins the long process of rebuilding and healing.
