NY Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie Stands With Jamaica: “When Jamaica Hurts, My Community Hurts”

New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie delivered a heartfelt message of unity, support, and action during the Jamaica Strong press event, reinforcing New York’s unwavering commitment to the people of Jamaica following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

As the representative of the largest Jamaican population outside of Jamaica, Heastie emphasized the deep cultural and personal ties that connect New York and the island nation.

“Jamaica is hurting — and when Jamaica’s hurting, my community is hurting,” he stated with conviction.

Though his own Caribbean roots trace largely to the Bahamas, Heastie explained that his district feels every shockwave of Jamaica’s struggles. For him, helping Jamaica is helping home.

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💛 A Mission of Relief and Rebuilding

Speaker Heastie shared several relief initiatives already in motion, thanks to the dedication of his office and supporters — including his Chief of Staff Giovanni Brooks, who he praised for leading the charge.

His commitment includes:

• A relief mission to Jamaica December 18–21
• A major project to rebuild the YMCA in Montego Bay
• Over $50,000 worth of generators donated for impacted communities
• An ongoing supply and toy drive to support families in need

Each effort underscores a long-term vision: not just responding to the crisis, but helping rebuild stronger than before.

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🎤 Rallying the Community: “Support Jamaica in Any Way You Can”

Heastie encouraged everyone — New Yorkers, diaspora supporters, and global allies — to stand together and give what they can:

“Whether it’s going to the concert… please support Jamaica in any way you can.”

He celebrated the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert and admitted with excitement that sharing a stage with Shaggy was a personal moment he had long anticipated.

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🇯🇲 One Island, One People, One Mission

Speaker Heastie’s words served as a powerful reminder:

Jamaica’s recovery isn’t just a Jamaican issue —
it’s a community issue, a New York issue, a global issue.

His call to action resounded throughout the room:

“We all have to come together for the island of Jamaica.”

With leaders like Heastie standing firm beside the Jamaican people, the path to rebuilding is strengthened by unity, compassion, and love.