Caribbean Diaspora Mobilizes in Response to Hurricane Melissa's Impact

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:42:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Caribbean diaspora in South Florida and beyond unites to provide aid to affected communities across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas, showcasing resilience and solidarity.

The Caribbean diaspora in South Florida is organizing relief efforts in response to Hurricane Melissa, which, while sparing them directly, has left many loved ones in distress. With a strong sense of community, they are mobilizing to send essential supplies and cash donations to support those suffering from the effects of the hurricane in neighboring Caribbean nations.

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. — South Florida residents are reacting to Hurricane Melissa, not with despair, but with determination to assist their Caribbean neighbors who faced its wrath. The hurricane, one of the strongest recorded in the Atlantic, narrowly missed South Florida but severely impacted Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas, prompting the diaspora from Miami to New York City to spring into action.

Many in this community have roots that stretch back to the islands, sparking a collective effort to gather emergency supplies for victims of the storm. From warehouses in Coconut Creek to donation centers in New York, rallies and funds are being mobilized to support affected areas. Miami-Dade County, with its rich tapestry of cultures and communities, has positioned itself as a hub for philanthropic efforts directed at the Caribbean.

“This is a moment for us to stand in solidarity with our loved ones,” said Carine Jocelyn, CEO of Brooklyn-based Diaspora Community Services. “We cannot afford to feel fatigue; the need is too great.” Many in the Haitian community are familiar with crises, having continuously faced challenges, be it natural disasters or socio-political upheavals.

In the face of these challenges, community organizations like Food For The Poor are mobilizing volunteers to assemble care packages filled with food, water, and hygiene products. Susan James-Casserly, originally from Jamaica, is slated to travel back home to assist on the ground. “We are stepping up because we know our people are resilient and need our support,” she remarked.

Donation efforts have also emerged at various locations, including fire departments and local parks. Residents across Broward County are encouraged to drop off essential items, emphasizing the community's collective responsibility in times of need. Dwayne Wolfe, co-founder of The Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank, shared personal ties to Jamaica, reinforcing the significance of helping loved ones who are suffering. “This is home; we have to help,” he said.

As they gather resources and find ways to connect with those back home, members of the Caribbean diaspora embody the spirit of resilience, forging a path forward through solidarity and support.