(ELMONT, NY) - In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm that tore through Jamaica with 250 mph gusts and 185 mph sustained winds, Legislator Carrié Solages; South Floral Park Village Trustee LeRoy Graham, Jr., Founder and President of the Floral Park-based not-for-profit True Tribute Organization; and community leaders will kick off an urgent supply and fundraising campaign at Nolan’s Cuisine, a popular neighborhood Jamaican restaurant in Elmont, to deliver direct aid to the island’s impacted families.
“The storm was strong – but the people of the Caribbean are even stronger,” Legislator Solages said. “We as Americans have roots all throughout the world, and we have to give water to those roots water so that they bear good fruit. When Haiti was in need, Jamaica were there – no matter who it is, we’re all in this together and we’re going to do everything we can to encourage aid.”
Legislator Solages represents Nassau County’s Legislative District 3 - a region home to a vibrant Jamaican and Caribbean community – and has heard first-hand from residents stranded following the hurricane. The New York City metro area, including Long Island, is one of America’s largest Jamaican American hubs. Nationwide, over 1.2 million Americans of Jamaican descent live in the U.S., and in New York State alone there are more than 315,000 Jamaican Americans.
Renowned Jamaican American community organizer and Team Jamaica Bickle founder Irwine G. Clare, Sr., stressed the importance of contributing toward legitimate disaster relief initiatives and coordinating donations of supplies to match immediate needs and logistical capabilities. Before contributing, visit the Support Jamaica Recovery Portal at https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/ to review a full list of recommended donations and verified relief organizations.
“People are suffering - some 70 percent of our nation is without power. But, we are a resilient people,” Clare Sr. said. “Let’s work together as a collective – when we do that, big things will happen, but they will be done in an effective and strategic manner. Let’s help our brothers and sisters with this endeavor.”
Nolan’s Cuisine will serve as a drop-off location for donations to fill barrels that will be sent to families in the Caribbean, said the restaurant’s proprietor, Nolan Alexandre-Baker. Additional drop-off sites will be located at Legislator Solages’ law offices at 1630 Dutch Broadway in Elmont, and his Legislative office at 1550 Frankin Avenue in Mineola.
“What’s going on in in Jamaica is a disaster. I have family out there- my grandmother is out there. The last time I spoke to her was on Monday. I haven’t heard from here since, but I’m praying that she is going to be okay,” he said. “I’m happy to have my restaurant be a place in Elmont where people can come, donate, and help spread the word.”
One of the organizations that will be spearheading the relief efforts is Graham, Jr.’s True Tribute Organization, which has been on the forefront of philanthropic initiatives in the Caribbean for more than a decade.
“You cannot put a price on life – now is the opportunity for us to come together and lend that support is needed. It’s Jamaica – it’s also the Dominican Republic, it’s Haiti, and it’s Cuba, where my father is from,” Graham, Jr. said. “I am looking forward to working with Legislator Solages’ office to ensure things are coordinated properly and the people who are in need can get relief and rebuild their lives.”
By mobilizing now, Legislator Solages and partners aim to show solidarity, both to our neighbors on the island and the Jamaican American families here who feel this disaster personally.
“Our ask and our plea during this time is for us to come together,” Hanif Russell, co-founder of Caribbean Business Connections, said. “It’s not enough to go and visit the country when you want to relax, have a good time and enjoy the resorts and food among other things. We need help – your prayers are needed, because there is power in prayer – and we need to put in the work.”
PHOTO RELEASE – Office of Legislator Carrié Solages