The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, recognizes the completion of a high-level humanitarian and community-engagement visit to Jamaica by a 48-member delegation from New York State, which traveled from December 18 to 21, 2025, led by the Hon. Carl Heastie, Speaker of the New York State Assembly.
The mission represented a significant gesture of solidarity and support for the people of Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which severely affected families, schools, community institutions and essential infrastructure across several parishes.
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New York is home to the largest population of Jamaicans outside the island, and many of the elected officials who participated in this mission represent districts with vibrant and longstanding Jamaican communities. Concerns shared by their constituents regarding conditions on the island played an important role in encouraging this visit, allowing leaders to witness recovery needs firsthand and to consider pathways for continued assistance. The Consulate General of Jamaica was pleased to support the coordination and execution of the mission and remains engaged in ongoing efforts to rebuild stronger and more resilient communities in Jamaica.
The Heastie-led delegation of 48 members, inclusive of 13 additional members of the U.S. Representatives, The New York State Senate, New York State Assembly and the New York City Council, undertook an intensive schedule of community engagements across Westmoreland.
Their activities included visits to the United Presbyterian Church of Savanna La Mar, Paul Island Primary School, the YMCA on Barracks Road in Savanna La Mar, Culloden Refuge Temple and the community of Bethel Town. The YMCA was visited on two occasions, first to support cleanup efforts and later to participate in a Family Day program. Over the course of two days, the delegation distributed more than 800 care packages, delivered toys and laptops to students at Paul Island Primary School and provided 200 hot meals. During the visit, the YMCA was also presented with checks totaling more than US$43,000 to support the reroofing of the facility, with additional commitments made to replace computer equipment and furniture damaged by the hurricane.
The visit to Jamaica provided the delegation with a firsthand understanding of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa and offered valuable insight into the significant needs that remain as Jamaica moves forward with long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The mission included the following elected officials:
- The Hon. Carl Heastie, Speaker, New York State Assembly
- Congressman Ritchie Torres, United States House of Representatives
- Senator Jamaal Bailey, New York State Senate
- Assemblymember Noah Burroughs
- Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman
- Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn
- Assemblymember Brian Cunningham
- Assemblymember Monique Chandler Waterman
- Assemblymember Jamie Williams
- Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos
- Assemblymember George Alvarez
- Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia
- New York City Councilmember Kevin Riley
They were accompanied by senior advisors, community-affairs leaders, university partners and volunteers committed to supporting Jamaica’s ongoing rebuilding process. The activities were supported on the ground by partners in Jamaica, volunteers, and a representative from the Consulate General. Mr. Christopher Benjamin, Community Relations Officer, provided on the ground support throughout the mission to ensure its smooth execution.
Remarks from Speaker Carl Heastie
“The people of Jamaica have shown extraordinary strength in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Our delegation came to listen, to witness challenges firsthand, and to understand how we may continue to be of service. As someone who represents the largest community of Jamaicans in the Bronx, I hear directly from families who are deeply connected to the island and deeply concerned about its recovery. The ties between New York and Jamaica run deep, in community, in heritage, and in shared values. We are honored to stand with Jamaica at this time.”
The Consulate General of Jamaica expresses sincere appreciation to Speaker Heastie and all delegation members for their meaningful engagement and for their willingness to walk alongside Jamaica in what will be a sustained and evolving period of restoration.
While much was achieved during this visit, the work ahead calls for steadfastness and long-term commitment. The mission’s impact serves as a reminder that recovery is an ongoing journey, one that benefits from consistent partnership rather than quick solutions.
The Consulate General remains ready to collaborate with stakeholders across New York and Jamaica to ensure that the efforts begun during this visit contribute to rebuilding stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.
