In the wake of the catastrophic devastation caused by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn joined Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie and the delegation of New York State elected officials on a humanitarian mission to Jamaica, sending a clear message that Jamaica has not been forgotten and that its recovery matters deeply to the Caribbean diaspora here at home.
Hurricane Melissa was one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the island, leaving widespread destruction across communities and severely impacting access to food, shelter, and basic services.
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During the multi-day mission, the delegation provided disaster relief supplies, groceries, toys, and hands-on rebuilding support at critical community sites, including Bethel Town, Culloden Refuge Temple, Paul Island Primary School, the United Presbyterian Church of Savanna La Mar, and the local YMCA, where cleanup and repair efforts helped prepare the space for community family programming.
Assemblymember Bichotte Hermelyn emphasized that the trip was driven by both urgency and responsibility:
“I am deeply grateful to Speaker Carl E. Heastie for making this humanitarian mission a priority and for ensuring that the New York State Assembly stood in solidarity with Jamaica during their time of need. The strength of the Jamaican people is a powerful reminder to New Yorkers and communities across the country that even in the aftermath of tragedy, we can come together to rebuild and move forward. As someone connected to Brooklyn’s Caribbean diaspora, this effort reflects the deep bonds we share and the importance of standing together when our neighbors need us most.”
Representing a district with strong Caribbean ties, Assemblymember Bichotte Hermelyn noted that the mission reflects New York’s broader commitment to global citizenship, climate resilience, and people-centered recovery.
