NEW YORK, United States (CMC) — In what has been described as a powerful display of unity, service and Caribbean pride, Caribbean legislators in New York have been rallying the community to provide much-needed relief to Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Trinidadian-born Jaime Williams, New York State emergency response and disaster preparedness chairwoman and assembly member and Monique Chandler-Waterman, co-chair of the Caribbean American Delegation, also an assembly member, have brought the community together at TriniJam BK restaurant on Flatlands Avenue in Canarsie, Brooklyn, New York, for an “urgent packing day” to support Jamaica in its time of need.

Calvin Sennon, the Trinidadian-born co-owner of TriniJam BK, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that volunteers streamed into his restaurant, “transforming the space into a bustling hub of compassion”.

“Tables overflowed with essential supplies: sheets, nails, flashlights, batteries, hygiene kits, diapers, canned goods, and more,” he added. “Families, students, seniors, and local organisations worked side-by-side, forming assembly lines to box critical items destined for relief centres in Jamaica.”

Williams, the representative for the 59th Assembly District in Brooklyn, a leader recognised for her efforts in emergency response both locally and abroad, once again stood at the forefront of the mobilisation.

With years of experience guiding disaster recovery support across the Caribbean, she emphasised the importance of “swift, collaborative action”.

“The need is urgent. Jamaica is facing tremendous hardship,” Williams told CMC. “I am proud of our Caribbean Diaspora and this Brooklyn community for stepping up.”

“This is what service looks like,” she added.

Chandler-Waterman, who represents the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, said, “This is what we do. When our Caribbean family hurts, Brooklyn shows up.”

“Our community knows the meaning of resilience and solidarity,” Chandler-Waterman, who helped coordinate the relief initiative, continued.

Sennon said other local elected officials, non-profit groups, faith leaders, and small-business owners also joined the initiative, “underscoring the wide-ranging support behind the relief mission”.

He said many noted that the turnout reflected not just concern for the current crisis, but gratitude for the deep cultural and familial ties that bind New York’s Caribbean communities together.

“We came together from different islands, different backgrounds — but today, we’re one Caribbean family,” said one volunteer as she packed flashlights into a supply crate. “If one of us is in pain, all of us feel it.”

As shipments begin making their way to Jamaica, Williams and Chandler-Waterman said that relief efforts will continue in the weeks ahead.

Williams also said that hurricane relief efforts in Canarsie were marked by “an outstanding display of love and support, with attendees travelling from as far away as New Jersey, Harlem and Long Island”.

She extended “sincerest gratitude to TriniJam BK for hosting and participating in this vital relief mission”, as well as to her colleagues, Chandler-Waterman and Guyanese-born Senator Roxanne Persaud, who represents the 19th Senate District in Brooklyn.

“Consulate General Office of Jamaica, District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, 67th and 69th Police Precincts also merit special recognition,” Williams added. “Every effort counts because it’s a long road to recovery.”

She said, though the focus is currently on Jamaica, “let us remember our sister islands that were affected by Hurricane Beryl last year — Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and the (St Vincent) Grenadines, who are still rebuilding”.