Almost two weeks after Hurricane Melissa decimated large parts of Jamaica, killing at least 32 people, Brooklyn politicians have joined forces to launch a “Brooklyn Backs Jamaica” resource drive.
Hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and a cadre of local politicians including U.S. Rep. Yvette Clark, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Assembly Members Monique Chandler-Waterman, Brian Cunningham, and Phara Souffrant-Forrest as well as state Sen. Roxanne Persaud and council members Crystal Hudson, Mercedes Narcisse and Crystal Hudson, the “Brooklyn Backs Jamaica” drive is aimed at supporting Jamaicans recovering from the disastrous aftermath of the Category 5 storm.
The drive will run through Nov. 26, and New Yorkers are urged to drop off essential items at Brooklyn Borough Hall at 209 Joralemon St., Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Needed items include baby products like diapers and formula, hygienic products like body soap and feminine hygiene products, and rescue relief items like first aid kits and gloves.
“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. By coming together and using Brooklyn Borough Hall as a collection site, we’re showing that our community stands united in compassion and action when our neighbors are in need,” Persaud said.
It is estimated that Hurricane Melissa, the strongest Atlantic hurricane on record, caused at least $6 billion in damage, affecting more than 600,000 Jamaicans and damaging over 120,000 structures, leaving half the island without power. According to Alvin Gayle, director general of Jamaica’s Emergency Management Office, more than 180 shelters remain open, providing refuge to over 2,400 people.
Reynoso described the devastation as “absolutely heartbreaking.”
“Even now, more than a week after the Hurricane hit, there are thousands of folks without a roof to call home or electricity to power their lives,” he said in a statement. “It’s times like these when we must have each other’s backs, and I’m so proud to open up Borough Hall’s doors as a drop-off site for essential items in partnership with the Consulate General of Jamaica and so many elected officials across Brooklyn.”
Ossé said New York, home to the largest Jamaican community in the U.S., “feels this pain deeply.”
“Brooklyn will never falter in our commitment to stand with our neighbors in hardship,” he said. “My office is proud to stand with the Brooklyn Borough President and our elected officials to support those affected by Hurricane Melissa.”
Souffrant Forrest echoed Reynoso’s call for action.
“I’m proud to partner with the Brooklyn Borough president and my colleagues in government to support our constituents and their loved ones in Jamaica who have been impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. This is the true meaning of solidarity,” Souffrant Forrest said.
