Caribbean Diaspora Unites in Response to Hurricane Melissa's Aftermath

Fri Oct 31 2025 15:39:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, communities from South Florida to New York are providing aid to Caribbean nations affected by the storm, driven by personal connections and a profound sense of duty.

After Hurricane Melissa spared South Florida from a direct hit, the Caribbean diaspora has mobilized to support relatives affected in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas. Volunteer efforts include gathering supplies and donations, showcasing resilience and solidarity among immigrant communities. Local initiatives in Broward County and across Florida highlight the deep connections between these communities and their islands of origin as they work to offer support in times of crisis.

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (AP) — South Florida was spared a direct blow from Hurricane Melissa, but the massive storm still had a profound impact on the millions of residents there with deep roots in the Caribbean.

Now, the Caribbean diaspora from Miami to New York City is putting their heartbreak into action: filling warehouses with emergency supplies for communities across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas that were battered by Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record.

Both cities serve as major points of entry for immigrants and cultural melting pots. Miami-Dade County, Florida's largest county, is now home to more immigrants than native-born Americans.

For many in Miami, the city is an unofficial capital of Latin America, where the vibrant culture of Little Havana and Little Haiti feels physically and culturally closer to the Caribbean than the rest of the mainland U.S.

Across Florida, there are over a million foreign-born Cubans and nearly 231,000 foreign-born Jamaicans. New York state hosts 22,800 foreign-born Cubans and around 225,000 foreign-born Jamaicans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

For many in the diaspora, ‘donation fatigue’ doesn’t apply

Many Haitian Americans are all too familiar with the pain of watching a catastrophe unfold from afar. Carine Jocelyn, CEO of Brooklyn-based Diaspora Community Services, highlights that the feeling of “donation fatigue” doesn’t apply to Haiti, especially in times of crisis.

Despite ongoing gang violence disrupting transportation in Port-au-Prince, Jocelyn remains hopeful that resources will reach those in need. She urges donors to contribute to verified Haitian nonprofits to ensure support is effective.

Nonprofits recommend cash donations as the most efficient way to assist affected communities, advising individuals to use platforms like Charity Navigator to verify unknown charities.

In Haiti, Eugene Lapaine, president of the Association des Paysans Haut Douzieme, leads a rescue mission in Petit-Goâve, stating, “People are leaving their homes to seek shelter.”

‘We are ready to help’

In Coconut Creek, Florida, volunteers are gathering to assemble emergency care kits and load pallets of supplies. Susan James-Casserly, who moved to South Florida from Jamaica in 1978, plans to return to help with on-site relief efforts.

“Jamaicans are strong and resilient. I’m afraid of what I’m going to see, but we are ready to help,” she expressed.

Kivette Silvera, who rode out the storm in Jamaica, echoed the devastation felt by those back home. “Words can’t express what they’re going through right now.”

Marlon Hill, a Miami corporate attorney and member of South Florida Caribbean Strong, expressed that the experience hits close to home for him.

Donation sites pop up at fire stations, parks, local restaurants

In Miramar, Florida, local officials have organized a citywide relief effort. Residents are encouraged to drop off essential supplies at designated locations including fire departments and parks.

Contributions from the community are being gathered by organizations like The Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank, co-founded by Dwayne and Brittany Wolfe, who still have family in Jamaica and are focused on collecting donations while waiting to connect with loved ones.

"It's home. And when things like this happen, you know, you have to help,” Brittany stated, reflecting the strong community ties in South Florida.