With Jamaica still reeling from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, two of New York’s most influential public officials—New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams—called for unity and action as they urged support for the upcoming Jamaica Strong benefit concert, set for December 12 at UBS Arena in Queens.
Speaking to a packed room at the concert’s press launch at SiriusXM in Manhattan, Public Advocate Williams emphasized the deep sense of solidarity shared across the Caribbean community.
“You see us on Labor Day having a good time. We come together when anybody is hurt. And this hurricane has hurt a lot of folks,” he said.
He noted New York’s longstanding ties to Jamaica.
“New York City is home to the largest diaspora outside of the Caribbean—the largest diaspora of Jamaicans in particular.”
But Williams stressed that solidarity must translate into action.
“Thoughts and prayers are awesome, but without action, they don’t help as much. And so we want to make sure we back our thoughts and prayers with action and with money to assist folks with what they need.”
He closed with a lighthearted appeal for support. “Not only do you get to help—you get to see Shaggy perform. What else could you ask for? My friends from Grenada… this is Jamaica. So I said, uno must come.”
Assembly Speaker Heastie echoed the urgency of the moment.
“Jamaica’s hurting, and when Jamaica’s hurting, my community is hurting,” he said, noting that he represents “the most Jamaicans outside of Jamaica.”
Heastie outlined several steps his office and its partners have already taken.
“From December 18th to the 21st, we’re going to Jamaica. Our project is to rebuild the YMCA in Montego Bay.”
He added that the team has already secured significant resources.
“We’ve raised about US$50,000 worth of supplies and generators to send to the affected areas.”
The initiative also includes food and toy drives for impacted families.
As with Williams, Heastie encouraged the public to support the benefit concert, which will feature Shaggy, Sean Paul, reggae legend Marcia Griffiths, Richie Stephens, and more.
“Whether it’s going to the concert to see Shaggy or supporting in any other way—please help Jamaica.”
He closed with a call for collective responsibility. “There are many links out there to help the government, to help organizations. But we all have to come together for the island of Jamaica.”
The launch event brought together media partners, industry leaders, and members of the Caribbean diaspora, including Grammy-winning icon Shaggy; Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; and Jamaica Strong executives Bobby Clarke (Irie Jam Foundation), George Crooks (Jammins Events), and Kacy Rankine (RoadBlock Radio). The Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert takes place December 12, 2025, at UBS Arena.
