In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which left massive destruction across Jamaica, the island’s diaspora in the United States has responded with overwhelming support, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Retired) Antony Anderson, said last Friday.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC, Anderson highlighted the scale and diversity of the relief efforts. “I have received several calls for health missions to go to Jamaica as the diaspora rallied quickly and ramped up support for Jamaica. This is not confined only to individuals but charitable organisations also who have also ramped up their outreach,” he said.
Anderson stressed that as the needs in Jamaica continue to grow, now is the time for the diaspora, friends of Jamaica, and international partners to come together. He noted that several governments, multilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations, and congressional and state representatives have reached out to offer assistance.
The U.S. government has already deployed four helicopters to Jamaica, with another four on the way. Search and rescue teams from Virginia and California are on the ground assisting and conducting assessments in collaboration with the Jamaican government, which will inform further U.S. support. Anderson said the embassy is establishing a database of skilled volunteers to better direct relief efforts. “The rescue operation will morph into rebuilding,” he said.
Several Jamaican diaspora organisations in the U.S. have set up donation points and fundraising initiatives. Jamaicans Abroad Supporting Jamaicans At Home (JAH JAH) Foundation has joined forces with the Organization of International Development (OID) to raise funds and secure supplies for the island.
Private-sector efforts are also contributing. Through the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation, Caribbean Foods Delight has raised US$20,000 to provide hardware vouchers, grocery assistance, and direct cash aid to affected families. Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery aims to raise US$250,000, using its stores across the U.S. to collect donations for hurricane victims.
The Jamaican Consulate in New York has set up a donation drop-off point, and donors can also purchase essential goods via Amazon, which will be sent directly to the consulate. In California, several Jamaican organisations have united to raise US$500,000 to support a targeted medical project.
Political leaders have joined the relief push. New York City’s outgoing mayor, Eric Adams, has encouraged residents to support the island, while American Friends of Jamaica announced a US$1 million matching fund to double contributions through its official channels.
In Florida, Broward County is appealing to residents and businesses to assist Caribbean nations affected by the storm. “Victims of Hurricane Melissa throughout the Caribbean need and deserve our support,” said Broward County Mayor Beam Furr. Drop-off locations include multiple Broward County Libraries and parks, with specific hours set for donations of tarps, water, flashlights, tents, nonperishable food, solar-powered lights, and other essentials. Used clothing and linens are not being requested.
Jamaican-American District 7 County Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis emphasized the urgency of the initiative, saying, “The devastation that Hurricane Melissa caused in the Caribbean is heartbreaking and it is our duty to help families in desperate need of support.”
Government-led relief efforts have also gained momentum. Donations to the Government of Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund, made through the official website supportjamaica.gov.jm, are approaching US$1 million. Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon reported that as of 10:33 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, contributions had reached US$728,000 and J$38 million. “We’re getting to the US$1 million mark on that site,” Dr. Morris Dixon declared.
International support continues to grow. The United Kingdom has pledged an additional £5 million in emergency humanitarian funding for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, supplementing £2.5 million announced earlier in the week. The aid includes more than 3,000 shelter kits and 1,500 solar-powered lanterns for families without electricity or damaged homes, with distribution coordinated through the World Food Programme and the Red Cross.
The United States has announced an initial US$11 million to support immediate relief, including emergency food supplies for 40,000 people, six water treatment systems producing 4,000 litres per hour, and emergency shelter. Additional assistance has come from Spain, Panama, El Salvador, Colombia, and international organizations including World Central Kitchen, Samaritan’s Purse, and Project HOPE.
As Jamaica continues to grapple with Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath, the combined efforts of the diaspora, governments, and international organizations highlight a powerful show of solidarity, aiming to provide immediate relief and support the island’s longer-term recovery.
