Speaker Heastie Hosts a Humanitarian Effort in Jamaica

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie alongside a New York delegation of elected officials hosted a humanitarian mission trip to Jamaica following the landfall of the devastating category five Hurricane Melissa. The historic storm was record breaking, becoming the third most intense hurricane in the Atlantic and the strongest to make landfall on the island of Jamaica since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.

“The people of Jamaica, although resilient, are hurting,” said Speaker Carl Heastie. “It is our duty to assist our brothers and sisters during their time of need. With the recent rise in global temperatures, we are witnessing storms that were once considered rare occurrences, now becoming more frequent and causing widespread destruction and devastation. Representing the 83^rd Assembly district, a district with the largest Jamaican population outside the island, this storm struck a personal chord. It became a top priority to call upon our community to extend a helping hand to our neighbors, families, and friends.”

In preparation for the trip, there was a donation drive hosted at the Northeast Bronx YMCA. Items donated included nonperishable food items, new clothing, toiletries, first aid materials and equipment, and so much more. During the mission, which ran from December 18 through December 21, these goods were distributed across many sites that were impacted by Melissa and included primary schools, churches and community centers across the parish of Westmoreland. Hundreds of people were able to benefit from the donated goods.

“Our hearts are with the people of Jamaica as they recover from the devastating impact of the hurricane. In moments like these, solidarity matters. This trip represents our commitment to stand with communities in their time of need, not just in words, but through action. We go with humility, compassion, and hope, knowing that even small acts of service can help bring relief, restore dignity, and support the long road to recovery ahead,” said Assemblymember George Alvarez.

Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman said, “As a representative of a large Jamaican community in Southeast Queens, and the daughter of a Jamaican immigrant, witnessing the devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa was deeply personal. I was honored to stand alongside Speaker Heastie and our colleagues in government to bring support and show solidarity with our brothers and sisters during this critical time of recovery. This humanitarian mission reaffirmed our commitment to one another which knows no borders, and the strength of the Jamaican people continues to inspire us all.”

“Seeing the damage Hurricane Melissa caused in Jamaica firsthand reminded me that climate change hits vulnerable communities the hardest. We must act through policy and support to help those affected and better prepare for future storms,” said Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos.

Assemblymember Brian Cunningham said, “This mission was about showing up in a meaningful way for people who are facing real loss and disruption in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Jamaica’s resilience is well known, but resilience does not mean the absence of need. It means communities continue moving forward even as they grieve and rebuild. For many families in my district and across New York State, that grief is deeply personal, felt in our homes and among loved ones here on the island. Being on the ground, meeting families where they are, and delivering essential supplies reinforced how critical it is for us to act with urgency, coordination, and compassion. I am grateful to Speaker Heastie for his leadership and to every member of the delegation and community volunteer who helped turn solidarity into action.”

“I am deeply grateful to Speaker Carl 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,” said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.

“This mission was an opportunity to show that New York stands with Jamaica. I was proud to join Speaker Heastie and my colleagues in supporting the people of Jamaica and providing the resources they need as they recover from Hurricane Melissa. Our responsibility is not just to deliver aid, but to stay engaged and make sure Jamaica has what it needs to rebuild. The ties between New York and Jamaica are strong, and we are committed to strengthening that relationship,” said Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia.

“I didn’t go to Jamaica to enjoy its many beaches, I went to serve, learn, and bring home a deeper sense of responsibility to my community. Volunteering in Jamaica with the New York State delegation reminded me that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up where you’re needed. Giving time in Jamaica reaffirmed lessons taught to me that service has no borders, and that real humanitarian acts starts when we step beyond what’s familiar,” said Assemblymember Noah Burroughs.

“I was proud to be part of this humanitarian mission to Jamaica and to stand alongside Speaker Heastie and my colleagues in delivering support to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa. In Brooklyn, many of the families I represent have deep ties to the island, and when Jamaica is hurting, that pain is felt here at home. This effort reflects the power of unity, compassion, and service, and reaffirms our commitment to showing up not only in moments of crisis, but throughout the long road to recovery,” said Assemblymember Jaime R. Williams.

“I am proud to join Speaker Heastie to support much needed efforts for communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa. During this time of crisis, we have continued to offer our deepest sympathy, unwavering support, and steadfast solidarity to all those whose lives have been upended by this unprecedented occurrence. As a leader with the largest Caribbean population in the state legislature, with Jamaican blood running through my veins, this crisis hit close to home,” said Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman. “In response to this devastation, our office, in partnership with the Consulate General of Jamaica and a host of elected leaders, stakeholders and community groups, have launched a Hurricane Melissa Relief Drive galvanizing a collaborative to collect and deliver critical supplies food, water, clothing, medical items, and emergency materialsto families across the Caribbean who have been affected. This partnership reflects the unity and compassion that define our Caribbean communities. When tragedy strikes, we do what we’ve always done: we come together, we lift each other up, and we take action.”

“I was proud to join Speaker Heastie and our New York delegation in Jamaica at a moment of real need for the community. The Bronx and Jamaica are closely linked, and when Jamaican families are hurting, it is personal for the communities we represent here at home. This trip is just the beginning of an ongoing effort to deepen those ties and give back,” said U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres.

“The humanitarian mission to Jamaica reflects our unwavering commitment to standing with the Jamaican community in such a time of crisis,” said Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. “I am honored to represent the largest Jamaican population in the state, and when disaster strikes the island, its impact is felt just as strongly here at home. In the wake of this tragedy, it is our unity that brings hope and healing. We have seen immense support from the community and want to further that work in person. Immense gratitude goes to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and his Chief of Staff Jevonni Brooks for springing into action. I’d also like to thank my colleagues in government, all the community members, organizations, and everyday New Yorkers who cared enough to support this effort over the past couple of months. More than ever, we embody the motto of the island of Jamaica- out of many, one people.”

“In moments of crisis, our responsibility to one another does not stop at borders. The devastation left by Hurricane Melissa has deeply impacted communities across Jamaica and this humanitarian mission reflects the strength of our shared commitment to respond with compassion and action. I commend Speaker Heastie and the entire delegation for leading with urgency, care and solidarity and for ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most as recovery and healing continue” said Senator Leroy Comrie.

“As a proud Jamaican American, this humanitarian mission is deeply personal, and it underscores how closely connected our communities in New York are to families across Jamaica,” said New York City Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “I commend Speaker Heastie for his leadership in convening this delegation and ensuring that our response was rooted in compassion, urgency, and action. I am also grateful to my colleagues in government and to the community partners and volunteers who stepped up to collect, organize, and deliver essential supplies to those most impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Being on the ground with our brothers and sisters of Jamaica reaffirms that recovery is about more than resources; it is about presence, solidarity, and sustained commitment. This mission reflects the power of partnership and our responsibility to continue supporting Jamaica as the long process of healing and rebuilding continues.”

Jamaica, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant people, and rich culture, has long been a popular destination for tourists. However, there is so much more than what meets the eye. The humanitarian effort created a way for all attendees to fully engage with the diaspora as they were entrenched in their everyday lives – witnessing and gaining a deeper understanding of the resilience and strength of the people who proudly call the island home.

Speaker Heastie added, “Our humanitarian efforts are not in vain; they are merely just the beginning of the growing partnership as the healing of the island will not happen overnight. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to every member of our delegation who donated their time and effort in making this trip possible. We illustrated that the motto ‘out of many, one people’ holds true and will continue to guide us.”