New York Attorney General Letitia James has called on the federal government to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Jamaicans living in the United States. Her appeal comes as the nation works to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
“Hurricane Melissa has caused unimaginable damage to our neighbors in Jamaica, displacing tens of thousands of people, destroying vital infrastructure, and severely limiting access to basic necessities,” AG James said in a statement. “Forcing Jamaicans in the United States to return home to a devastated island would be dangerous and cruel. Situations like this are exactly what TPS was intended for, and our federal government should extend TPS to Jamaicans to help keep people safe while the island rebuilds.”
Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, caused widespread devastation in Jamaica, ripping roofs off some 122,000 structures, damaging crops and infrastructure, and resulting in at least 48 deaths. Several communities are still without electricity or clean water.
The United Nations Development Program reports that Hurricane Melissa displaced over 30,000 residents on the island. The Jamaican government has initiated a four-phase emergency plan after declaring the entire island a disaster zone. Efforts are underway to repair infrastructure and clear roads so that essential services can be restored, but the widespread damage to infrastructure and washed-out roads has made this difficult.
In the New York metropolitan area, home to one of the largest Jamaican-American communities, local efforts to help hurricane victims continue. Organizations are working together to provide aid, with activists and local officials launching fundraising programs.
Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, in partnership with LeRoy Graham Jr. of True Tribute Organization, has organized a supply drive and fundraising campaign at Nolan’s Cuisine, a Jamaican and Caribbean restaurant at 2101 Dutch Broadway in Elmont, New York. Donation barrels are available at Nolan’s and at other locations like legislator Solages’ law offices at 1630 Dutch Broadway in Elmont and 92 Willis Ave in Mineola, New York.
Irwine G. Clare, Sr., founder of Team Jamaica Bickle, urged support for this collective action, saying, “People are suffering — about 70% of our nation is without power. But we are resilient. Let’s work together to provide support for our brothers and sisters in need.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, meanwhile, has launched the “Brooklyn Backs Jamaica” resource drive in partnership with the Consulate General of Jamaica and several local officials. The drive, which runs until November 26, will collect essential items such as diapers, hygiene products, first-aid supplies, and gloves, with collection hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness also established the Support Jamaica Recovery Portal (supportjamaica.gov.jm), an official government relief platform designed to coordinate donations, track pledges, and oversee recovery efforts. The portal also allows users in Jamaica to report emergencies and locate shelters. It also has a list of recommended donations and verified relief organizations.
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To help with aid to Jamaica and other Caribbean islands impacted by Hurricane Melissa these organizations are taking donations.