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Tributes Pour In Following Passing Of Alsion Roach Wilson – Jamaica’s Consul General In New York

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By NAN Staff Writer

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Nov. 10, 2025: Tributes are pouring in from across Jamaica and the global diaspora following the passing of Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Roach Wilson, who died at her home on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, reportedly after a battle with cancer.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness led the tributes, describing Roach Wilson as “a devout Jamaican whose love for her country was as deep as it was enduring.”

FLASHBACK – Marlon Campbell, the late CG Alsion Roach Wilson, Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, Clarence KD McNair, Dion Barnes-Robinson and Dr. Karren Dunkley attend St Catherine High School North East’s 25th Anniversary Alumni Celebration on October 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

“She dedicated her heart and soul to service, to lifting others, to strengthening the bonds between Jamaica and its diaspora,” Holness said. “Her passing leaves a void in our hearts, but also a legacy of devotion, patriotism, and excellence that will continue to inspire all who knew her.”

Deep Appreciation For Service

Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith expressed deep sadness, noting that Roach Wilson “served Jamaica at the highest level of excellence during her tenure from July 2019 to present.”

“Her accomplishments defy the time during which she served,” Johnson Smith said. “On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I extend condolences to her husband Omar, children Brian and Vanessa, and her entire family. May her generous and beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.”

Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Philadelphia, Christopher Chaplin, recalled a close friendship and professional bond formed since their joint appointments in 2019.

“She was a consummate professional who valued relationships as the foundation for trade and investment,” he said. “During the pandemic, she personally delivered laptops, tablets, and resources to Jamaica. Her leadership was strong, her advice sage, and her expectations of excellence unwavering.”

Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, Olivier Mair, also paid tribute: “You did an exceptional job serving Jamaicans at home and abroad. You fought illness with bravery and determination. Walk good, CG – we will miss you.”

Remembered As “The People’s CG”

Business leader Sabrina HoSang Jordan of Caribbean Food Delights described Roach Wilson as “a beacon” of diaspora leadership.

“She was the people’s CG – consistently present, consistently hands-on, and consistently committed to serving Jamaica,” HoSang Jordan said. “Her compassion, energy, and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic brought relief to so many. That is leadership. That is legacy.”

Community organizer Hope Blake-Wade shared a personal memory of meeting Roach Wilson at an alumnae event in 2019: “She came despite being ill, supported by her husband Omar. She was always gracious, dependable, and deeply dedicated to the diaspora. Even during her illness, she was recommending others for leadership roles. She thought of everyone but herself.”

Educator Karen Dunkley added: “She was a remarkable woman whose strength and love for Jamaica inspired many. Her steady leadership during the pandemic reminded us that service must always lead.”

A Journey Of Perseverance And Triumph

Born in Redwood, St. Catherine, Roach Wilson often spoke of her journey as one of perseverance. After migrating to Brooklyn in 1980, she endured a period of homelessness as a teen before rebuilding her life through education and determination.

She studied business and finance at the American Business Institute and began her career in the mailroom at Morgan Stanley, later advancing to roles at HSBC, Bear Stearns, and Moody’s. She co-founded the Alsion Road Group, advising global firms and regional governments, and pioneered the concept of a Jamaica Diaspora Bond.

In 2019, she was appointed Consul General of Jamaica to New York, overseeing 33 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda—the largest diplomatic jurisdiction in Jamaica’s network. Her tenure focused on investment, cultural exchange, and diaspora engagement.

In recognition of her contributions, Roach Wilson was recently conferred with the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) by the Government of Jamaica.

She is survived by her husband Omar Wilson, and children Brian, Vanessa and Patrick.

“Her legacy,” said one mourner, “is written in every life she touched – across Jamaica, the diaspora, and beyond.”

US Strikes In The Caribbean And Pacific Kill At Least 70 As Region Raises Alarm

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By News Americas Staff Writer

News Americas, November 7, 2025: The US strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans has now killed at least 70 people, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who confirmed another deadly strike Thursday that destroyed a small vessel and killed three people off the coast of Icacos Point, Trinidad and Tobago.

An infographic titled “Major US military deployments in the Caribbean” created in Ankara, Turkiye on November 7, 2025. (Photo by Murat Usubali/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The latest strike – the 18th since the campaign began in early September – reportedly targeted what the Pentagon described as a “vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization.” Aerial footage shared by Hegseth on X (formerly Twitter) showed the small boat traveling through calm waters before being hit and engulfed in flames.

While Washington insists the strikes are part of a campaign against drug trafficking networks linked to Venezuela, critics and international observers have condemned the actions as extrajudicial killings, noting that no conclusive evidence has been made public showing the destroyed boats were smuggling narcotics or posed any threat to U.S. interests.

Regional Fallout And Civilian Fear

Antonio Silver (L) and Kavash Dan unload their catch after a day of fishing in the Gulf of Paria, an inlet of the Caribbean Sea, on November 06, 2025, in Icacos Point, Trinidad and Tobago. As the United States military has killed numerous people allegedly running drugs in the Caribbean, local fishermen say they are nervous, and some have altered their fishing routes due to not wanting to be mistaken for a drug boat. Icacos Point is approximately 3 miles from the Venezuela shoreline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Local fishermen in southern Trinidad say that they are now fearful to go to sea, with some altering their routes to avoid being mistaken for suspected “narco boats.” Icacos Point, the southernmost tip of Trinidad, lies just three miles from Venezuela’s coastline, an area known for both fishing and migrant crossings.

“The sea is our livelihood, but now it feels like a war zone,” said one fisherman who asked not to be named. “No one knows who’s next.”

Caribbean Leaders Call For Calm

Amid rising concern, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne this week renewed his call for the Caribbean to remain a “zone of peace.” Speaking at the launch of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, (CHOGM), set for next year, Browne warned that escalating U.S. military operations in regional waters could destabilize the Caribbean.

“If this military buildup results in any form of conflict, the small island states of the OECS will suffer disproportionately,” Browne cautioned, emphasizing the region’s vulnerability and economic dependence.

U.S. Congress Divided Over Strikes

In Washington, Senate Democrats attempted to pass a war powers resolution that would have curbed President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct further strikes without congressional approval – but the measure was blocked by Senate Republicans in a largely party-line vote.

Sen. Tim Kaine, (D-Va.), backed by Adam Schiff, (D-Calif.) and Rand Paul, (R-Ky.), led the push, arguing that the administration’s actions amount to undeclared warfare. Only a few Republicans – including Sen. Lisa Murkowski, (R-Alaska) – broke ranks to support the measure.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth briefed select lawmakers earlier this week, defending the campaign as part of a broader effort to “combat terrorism and narcotics linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua cartel.”

Trump, in a recent television interview, acknowledged authorizing CIA operations in the region and claimed Venezuela had “emptied their prisons into the United States.”

“We have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela,” Trump said. “So, we’re going to stop them by land and by sea.”

International Condemnation Mounts

The United Nations has called on Washington to immediately halt the strikes. UN human rights chief Volker Türk said the killings “find no justification in international law,” urging restraint and independent investigations.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused the U.S. of attempting regime change under the guise of counter-narcotics operations. Maduro, who faces U.S. drug trafficking indictments and a $50 million bounty, denied that Venezuela cultivates or exports narcotics, saying his country is being “used as a route against its will.”

An Escalating Military Footprint

The Trump administration has reportedly deployed six Navy ships in the Caribbean, F-35 stealth jets to Puerto Rico, and the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to regional waters. U.S. bombers have also conducted several “shows of force” near Venezuela’s coast since mid-October.

With regional unease mounting and questions over legality growing louder, observers warn that Washington’s campaign risks militarizing the Caribbean – a region long regarded as a “zone of peace” and trade, not conflict.

Jamaican-Born Republican Winsome Earle-Sears Loses Virginia Governor’s Race

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Nov. 3, 2025: Jamaican-born immigrant and Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears has lost her historic bid to become the first female governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Republican candidate was defeated by Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a former congresswoman and CIA officer, in a closely watched race that flipped the governor’s office back to Democratic control.

With 51 percent of the votes counted as of press time, Spanberger secured 953,804 votes to Earle-Sears’ 733,182, according to state election officials. Spanberger’s win makes her the first woman ever elected governor of Virginia, ending Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin’s tenure and signaling potential momentum for Democrats heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

A Hard-Fought Race

Spanberger, 46, ran a disciplined campaign focused on economic stability, federal employment protection, and reproductive rights. She framed herself as a pragmatic leader seeking to protect Virginians from the effects of what she called “Trump-era chaos.” Her campaign emphasized job growth, infrastructure, and education while repeatedly linking Earle-Sears to President Donald Trump, despite his limited involvement in her campaign.

The race was viewed nationally as a bellwether for 2026, testing both Trump’s lingering influence on Republican candidates and the Democrats’ ability to reclaim ground in key swing states.

Trump offered tepid support to Earle-Sears but did not campaign in Virginia, underscoring tensions within the GOP about candidate alignment and electability heading into the midterms.

Earle-Sears’ Journey

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Winsome Earle-Sears immigrated to the United States at age six. Her rise from immigrant to Marine Corps veteran and, eventually, to Virginia’s 42nd lieutenant governor marked a significant chapter in American and Caribbean diaspora history.

In 2021, she made history as Virginia’s first female lieutenant governor and the first woman of color elected statewide. Her campaign for governor built on that legacy, emphasizing faith, family, and conservative values.

Earle-Sears, 61, holds degrees from Tidewater Community College, Old Dominion University, and Regent University, where she earned a Master’s in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Government. She previously served as a Virginia State Delegate (2002–2004) and Vice Chair of the Virginia State Board of Education (2011–2015).

Throughout the campaign, Earle-Sears touted her immigrant success story and military service, calling herself “proof of the American dream.” But analysts say her association with Trump and her conservative stance on abortion may have hurt her in suburban districts that swung Democratic.

FIRST MUSLIM LT. GOV.

Meanwhile, State Senator Ghazala Hashmi made U.S. history, defeating conservative radio host John Reid to become the state’s next lieutenant governor – and the first Indian and first Muslim person ever elected to statewide office in Virginia, as well as the first Muslim woman to win a statewide race in the U.S.

Hashmi, 61, a community college administrator and progressive Democrat, first won office in 2019 by flipping a key district in Richmond. She was inspired to enter politics after Donald Trump’s 2016 travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries.

“This victory is proof that we belong, that our voices matter, and that inclusion makes America stronger,” Hashmi said Monday.

Born in Hyderabad, India, Hashmi immigrated to the U.S. as a child and grew up in small-town Georgia. Her win cements a new milestone for representation in Virginia and across the nation.

Looking Ahead

With Spanberger’s and Hashmi’s victory, Democrats now reclaim control of Virginia’s executive branch in a win that could shape national political strategies leading into 2026.

Jamaican Global Diaspora Pitches In: Here Are The Credible Organizations To Support Hurricane Melissa

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Nov. 3, 2025: With 28 confirmed dead and thousands left without food, water, shelter, or electricity following Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact, Jamaicans at home and abroad are rallying to help. Roads have crumbled into muddy trails, schools and churches lie in ruins, and communication remains limited across several parishes. Yet, amid the devastation, the Jamaican global diaspora is stepping up – mobilizing funds, supplies, and relief networks to reach those in desperate need. Here are some of the most trusted organizations to support Hurricane Melissa victims.

Residents help move food supplies at a community center before distribution to the Whitehouse community in Westmoreland, Jamaica, one of the areas most severely affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa, on November 2, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

American Friends Of Jamaica (AFJ) & Golden Krust

The American Friends of Jamaica, (AFJ) has teamed up with Golden Krust to raise over US$250,000 for disaster relief. Golden Krust has already contributed $10,000 and is encouraging customers at its restaurants nationwide to donate $1, $3, or $5 at checkout. All proceeds will go directly to AFJ-led relief projects in Jamaica. In addition to financial donations, Golden Krust locations are collecting non-perishable foods and essential goods to be shipped to affected communities.
To support, visit the AFJ Golden Krust fundraiser.

Residents wait in line to receive food supplies in the Whitehouse community of Westmoreland, Jamaica, one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa, on November 2, 2025. Planes and helicopters carrying humanitarian aid headed to Jamaica on October 31, three days after Melissa slammed into the island nation and killed at least 19 people.
Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon told a briefing that authorities had “quite credible” reports of possibly five additional deaths but had not yet been able to confirm. (Photo by Ricardo Makyn / AFP) (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Food For The Poor & The Sean Paul Foundation

Grammy-winning artist Sean Paul has partnered with Food For The Poor through his foundation to mobilize global giving. “Hurricane Melissa has caused serious damage,” he shared. “Families are displaced and homes destroyed. I’m matching every dollar raised – up to $50,000 – to double our impact.” Fans can donate directly through Food For The Poor Jamaica.

Clive Tomlinson, 55, sits under a tree with his two-year-old daughter Sarah amid rubble in Westmoreland, Jamaica, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, on November 2, 2025. Planes and helicopters carrying humanitarian aid headed to Jamaica on October 31, three days after Melissa slammed into the island nation and killed at least 19 people.
Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon told a briefing that authorities had “quite credible” reports of possibly five additional deaths but had not yet been able to confirm. (Photo by Ricardo Makyn / AFP) (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

World Central Kitchen (WCK)

Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen is on the ground feeding families through 30+ restaurant partners across Jamaica. Two major field kitchens — including one in Montego Bay supported by the Sandals Foundation – are cooking tens of thousands of meals daily. WCK’s team is also operating in Negril, bringing hot meals to displaced families and emergency workers.
Donate at wck.org/relief/melissa-25.

A man looks on among trees stripped of many branches by Hurricane Melissa in Westmoreland, Jamaica, on November 2, 2025. Planes and helicopters carrying humanitarian aid headed to Jamaica on October 31, three days after Melissa slammed into the island nation and killed at least 19 people.
Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon told a briefing that authorities had “quite credible” reports of possibly five additional deaths but had not yet been able to confirm. (Photo by Ricardo Makyn / AFP) (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) & St. Thomas University

The Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) is coordinating large-scale relief shipments to Jamaica with help from AFJ, the Caribbean Bar Association, and St. Thomas University (STU) in Miami. STU students are volunteering at GEM’s Doral warehouse, assembling relief kits, while the university hosts donation drives across campus. Learn more or volunteer at globalempowermentmission.org.

Samaritan’s Purse

The Boone-based Christian nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse has deployed teams to Jamaica with over 38,000 pounds of aid, including an emergency field hospital bound for Black River, where the local hospital was destroyed. The 30-bed facility includes a surgical unit, ICU, and maternity ward to care for mothers and newborns. Support their mission at samaritanspurse.org.

Bob and Rita Marley Foundation Relief Fund

The Bob and Rita Marley Foundation Relief Fund on GoFundMe has surpassed $42,000. Partnering with UFC Champion Aljamain “Funk Master” Sterling, the foundation aims to deliver emergency supplies, roofing kits, and rebuilding assistance to families. Donate at gofundme.com/f/the-bob-and-rita-marley-foundation-relief-fund.

AFUWI & JahJah Foundation

The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) and JahJah Foundation are raising funds to support affected students and faculty. Donations can be made at afuwi.org or via Zelle at americanfdnuwi@gmail.com.

Team Jamaica Bickle

Known for supporting Jamaican athletes, Team Jamaica Bickle is raising emergency funds to replace destroyed training equipment and provide nutrition and supplies to athletes whose homes and facilities were damaged.
Contribute at givelively.org/donate/team-jamaica-bickle-inc.

Hands International

Hands International, a volunteer medical mission, will deploy to Jamaica on November 9, 2025, to deliver medicine and healthcare supplies. The organization is seeking urgent donations to fund its work. Support their effort at gofundme.com/f/hands-international-jamaica-relief.

In South Florida

Confirmed Drop-Off Locations in South Florida:
City of Miramar:

Fire Station 19 – 6700 Miramar Parkway

Fire Station 70 – 9001 Miramar Parkway

Fire Station 84 – 14801 SW 27th Street

Fire Station 100 – 2800 SW 184th Avenue

Fire Station 107 – 11811 Miramar Parkway

Miramar Police Headquarters – 11765 City Hall Promenade

City of Lauderhill:

City Hall – 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd.

Veterans Park – 7600 NW 50th St.

John Mullins Park – 2000 NW 55th Ave.

Westwind Park – 4550 NW 82nd Ave.

Lauderhill Historical Museum – 1080 NW 47th Ave.

Joy’s Roti Delight – 1205 NW 40th Ave. (Daily, 9 AM–9 PM)

Jamaican Women of Florida, (JWOF), are also collecting supplies at Island SPACE Museum, 8000 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation, Thursday–Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM.

Central Florida And Beyond

In Kissimmee, Vice Mayor Angela Eady and the Alianza Center are organizing an emergency donation drive and community meeting to coordinate relief for Jamaica.

SUPPORT FOR THE ANIMALS

The Animal House Jamaica

Founded in the 1990’s because of serious concerns about the plight of animals on
the north coast of Jamaica, THE ANIMAL HOUSE JAMAICA has been helping stray, injured, abandoned, and feral (wild) animals and their owners for more than six years. They provide food, shelter, medical care (including spay and neuter), and adoptive services to both animals and owners in need.

Address: P.O. Box 775, Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica WI
Email: info@theanimalhousejamaica.org
Follow them on Facebook here.
DONATE HERE via PayPal

Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA)
In operation for more than 100 years, JSPCA promotes humane treatment of animals through education, medical care, advocacy, and rehoming.

Phone: +1 876-929-0320
Headquarters: 10 Winchester Road, Kingston
DONATE VIA THEIR WEBSITE

Animal Welfare Advocacy Group (AWAG)
An umbrella group that unites NGOs, government partners, and individuals to improve animal welfare laws and education. Find their website here.

Save the STRAYS: Jamaica
A community-based Facebook group that rescues and rehomes stray animals while also offering owner support and conservation advocacy. Find their Facebook here.

Montego Bay Animal Haven (MBAH)
Founded in 2009, MBAH runs a sanctuary for abandoned pets, spay/neuter programs, and public education initiatives.

Phone: +1 876-260-3527
Website: montegobayanimalhaven.com

Kitties of Kingston
Volunteer-based group caring for sick, homeless, and abandoned cats. Find their Facebook here.

OnlyPaws Cat Rescue
Provides food and support for community cats in Kingston. Active on Instagram.

Kingston Community Animal Welfare (KCAW)
Offers food, veterinary care, and spay/neuter services for stray dogs and cats. Updates are shared through their Facebook page. Learn more here.

Negril Pup Rescue
Dedicated to saving neglected and abused street dogs in the Negril area.

Phone: +1 876-218-5561
Website: negrilpuprescue.com

The Aftermath Of Hurricane Melissa In Pictures

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By News Americas Staff

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sat. Nov. 1, 2025: The devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa continues to haunt Jamaica. Though the death toll remains at 19, the scale of destruction is staggering – entire rows of homes flattened, roofs torn away, and schools, churches, and hospitals heavily damaged.

Across the island, communities are struggling to recover as relief efforts continue. The human need remains immense, with thousands displaced and critical infrastructure in ruins.

Here are some of the most powerful and heart-wrenching images capturing the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica – a nation once again showing resilience amid unimaginable loss.

A woman lies along a plaza after her home was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa in Lacovia, St Elizabeth, Jamaica, on October 31, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Dorothy Headley, 75, prepares a meal of cow liver over a wood fire as damaged property is seen in the background in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in the Watercress community of Westmoreland, Jamaica, on October 31, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Diano Morris poses with his pet parrot in front of destroyed property in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Bluefields, Westmoreland, Jamaica, on October 31, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

The destroyed Whitehouse Seventh-day Adventist Church, which was used as a shelter during the passage of Hurricane Melissa, is seen in the aftermath of the hurricane in White House, Westmoreland, Jamaica, on October 31, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Road infrastructure is seen damaged following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in the Newell community, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A building is seen damaged following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Vantor “before” satellite imagery shows a coastal town along the Black River, Jamaica. (Satellite image (c) 2025 Vantor)

A car is seen surrouneded by debris following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A man walks past a car and damaged buildings October 29, 2025 following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A man walks with a shovel in hand over rubble on Main Street in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Stripped and damaged trees are seen along Holland Bamboo Avenue, one of Jamaica’s main tourist attractions, in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, on October 31, 2025, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Bayou Bacchanal 2025 Dedicates Weekend To Hurricane Melissa Relief

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News Americas, NEW ORLEANS, LA, Oct. 31, 2025: Bayou Bacchanal 2025, New Orleans’ original Caribbean Carnival, will transform its annual celebration into a powerful act of solidarity this weekend – dedicating its festivities to Hurricane Melissa relief efforts across the Caribbean.

St. John’s Anglican Church in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica is among the churches destroyed by Hurricane Melissa. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

The festival’s producer, Friends of Culture, Inc., announced that 10% of ticket sales from Saturday night’s Caribbean fête will be donated directly to the Jamaica Red Cross Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund, which is working to deliver emergency supplies to communities hardest hit by the Category 5 storm.

Organizers are also urging festivalgoers, sponsors, and supporters across the Caribbean diaspora to make direct donations to the Jamaica Red Cross via jamaicaredcross.org/donate.

“Our roots across the Caribbean remind us that no matter where the storm hits, we all feel it,” said Marilyn LaForce, Founder and Executive Director of Friends of Culture. “Bayou Bacchanal has always celebrated the strength and joy of Caribbean people — now we’re turning that celebration into compassion and action.”

The festivities kick off at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, with a vibrant Caribbean party at Congratulations Event Hall, 1900 Lafayette St., Gretna, Louisiana. Tickets are available both online and at the door.

On Sunday, November 2, the celebrations move to Armstrong Park for the Bayou Bacchanal Parade & Festival, a free, family-friendly event featuring a special moment of reflection and solidarity for Hurricane Melissa victims.

“As we dance, drum, and celebrate, we do so in unity — for the people who need us most right now,” said James C. Carter, Jr., Port of New Orleans Commissioner, President-Elect of the National Bar Association, and Grand Marshal of this year’s parade.

Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) praised the initiative, noting, “Bayou Bacchanal has always been more than a festival — it’s a bridge between the Caribbean and New Orleans, connecting cultures through compassion and community.”

The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday from the Hilton Riverside Hotel and winds through Canal Street, Claiborne Avenue, and Orleans Avenue before culminating at Congo Square, the birthplace of New Orleans’ Afro-Caribbean culture.

From noon to 6:30 p.m., the Congo Square Carnival will feature live performances from St. Lucian soca star Messiah and Pan Vibrations Steelband, alongside Caribbean cuisine, colorful costumes, and local vendors.

Festival Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 1: Ticketed Caribbean Party – Congratulations Event Hall, Gretna, LA (10% of ticket sales donated to Jamaica Red Cross)

Sunday, Nov. 2: Bayou Bacchanal Parade & Festival – Armstrong Park, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (Free Admission)

How to Help

Donate directly to the Jamaica Red Cross Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund:
https://www.jamaicaredcross.org/donate/

For event details, visit www.friendsofculture.org.

Jamaica Hurricane: Over 170 Communities Affected Across Six Parishes As Death Toll Rises To 19

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct. 31, 2025: More than 170 communities across six of Jamaica’s hardest-hit parishes have been moderately or severely affected by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage, according to Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie as he updated media yesterday on the Jamaica hurricane.

Keith Ashby walks past a tree that fell on his house following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in the Newell community, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

In Jamaica, officials said they had dedicated a helicopter to the recovery of bodies. The country’s information minister told Reuters on Thursday that at least 19 people were killed in the storm, including a child, and they expected the death toll to keep rising. In one isolated community, residents pleaded with officials to remove the body of one victim tangled in a tree. On Thursday, dozens of U.S. search-and-rescue experts landed in Jamaica along with their dogs.

Nicola Gowdie who lost her entire home, stands on October 29, 2025 where only the foundation of the building remains following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa, in the Fullerswood community, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking at a special media briefing at Jamaica House, Minister McKenzie identified Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Trelawny, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St. James as the most impacted parishes, with widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructural damage reported.

He confirmed that 117 members of the Jamaica Defence Force’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) have been deployed to support search-and-rescue operations and deliver emergency food packages alongside the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Jamaica Fire Brigade.

A man walks past a car and damaged buildings October 29, 2025 following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

“They are en route, making clearance and distributing food packages in many accessible communities,” McKenzie said. Relief efforts are being coordinated with local and international partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Red Cross, and Salvation Army.

The Minister also praised the thousands of “well-thinking Jamaicans” who have joined volunteer efforts to provide relief and support to affected residents.

To strengthen coordination and transparency, the Government has launched a new national relief website to mobilize donations, streamline aid, and support recovery across the island.

Meanwhile, more than 13,000 people remained crowded into shelters, with 72% of the island without power and only 35% of mobile phone sites in operation, officials said. People clutched cash as they formed long lines at the few gas stations and supermarkets open in affected areas.

Hurricane Melissa Death Toll Rises To 33 Across the Caribbean

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Oct. 30, 2025: The death toll from Hurricane Melissa has climbed to 33, as the record-breaking storm continues to devastate parts of the Caribbean after tearing through Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and The Bahamas earlier this week.

An aerial view seen October 29, 2025 shows the destroyed Black River Market and surrounding buildings following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Now downgraded from a Category 5 to a Category 1 hurricane, Melissa gained speed today as it swept across The Bahamas and is expected to make landfall in Bermuda later in the day.

In Jamaica, authorities have confirmed nine deaths, including five in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth, which was among the hardest hit. In Haiti, at least 23 people, including 10 children, were reported dead following widespread flooding after days of relentless rain, even though the country escaped a direct hit. One fatality was also reported in the Dominican Republic.

Melissa – the strongest storm to strike Jamaica in modern history – made landfall Tuesday, October 28th, with sustained winds of 185 mph, surpassing Hurricane Katrina’s peak intensity in 2005. The storm left widespread destruction across southern Jamaica, including St. Elizabeth, St. James, and St. Ann’s, flattening and flooding, homes, downing power lines, and washing out roads.

After leaving Jamaica, Melissa weakened to a Category 3 storm as it struck Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second-largest city. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed the hurricane caused “considerable damage,” though casualty figures have not yet been released.

In The Bahamas, nearly 1,500 residents were evacuated from vulnerable areas in one of the nation’s largest emergency operations on record. While flooding disrupted several communities, the Ministry of Tourism said most major destinations — including Nassau, Freeport, Eleuthera, and the Abacos — remain open and largely unaffected.

As of this morning, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported Melissa moving north-northeast at 21 mph (33 km/h) with maximum sustained winds near 105 mph, classifying it as a Category 2 hurricane. The NHC said the storm’s center is expected to pass northwest of Bermuda later today or early tomorrow.

Many across the Caribbean Diaspora are pitching in to help as Jamaican officials urge direct support HERE

Authorities across the region are warning residents to remain vigilant as the full scale of Melissa’s destruction continues to emerge. See some of the destruction from Jamaica and Cuba below.

An aerial view shows destroyed buildings following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Flooded homes are seen after the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Howard Acres neighborhood in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. Hurricane Melissa ripped up trees and knocked out power after making landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025 as one of the most powerful hurricanes on record, inundating the island nation with rains that threaten flash floods and landslides. Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

An aerial view dated October 29, 2025 shows a flooded Wilton Community following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa, in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.) (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A building is seen damaged following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Debris is seen littering the side of a road following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A building is seen damaged following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Buildings are seen damaged following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A woman clears debris October 29, 2025 near a damaged building following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

The Anglican church St. Boniface is seen heavily damaged following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Pondside, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

An aerial view shows destroyed buildings October 29, 2025 following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A man walks with a shovel in hand over rubble on Main Street in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A family from the town of El Cobre, in the province of Santiago de Cuba, remain in their destroyed house after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, on October 29, 2025. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images)

A resident of the town of El Cobre, in the city of Santiago de Cuba, observes the damage caused to her home after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, on October 29, 2025. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images)

RELATED: Rising From Ruin: Turning Caribbean Pain Into Power Following Hurricane Melissa

Wild Hurricane Melissa Leaves Trail Of Destruction Across South Western Jamaica

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct. 29, 2025: Thirty seven years after Hurricane Gilbert, came Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, in South Western Jamaica Tuesday as a Category 5 storm – the strongest ever to make landfall in the Caribbean island. It arrived with maximum sustained winds estimated at 185 miles per hour.

Flooding in western Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa’s direct hit.

The storm left behind a trail of devastation across most of the Southwestern areas including St. Elizabeth including Black River, Sav La Mar, Clarendon, Montego Bay and other areas. It ripped roofs from hospitals, submerged bridges, and flattened homes across western and southern parishes. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has officially declared a national disaster area.

The roof of the St. Elizabeth hospital in Jamaica was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa.

The Government’s preliminary needs list estimates at least 400,000 people will require assistance, including temporary shelter, food, and medical aid.

Damage in Black River, Jamaica, located on the southwest side of the island.

International donors, Diaspora organizations and local communities are mobilizing to provide urgent relief to the island.

Major Donations Begin Flowing In

In one of the largest early relief contributions to date, the Miami HEAT, the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, and Carnival Corporation announced a US $1 million (JMD $150 million) donation through the humanitarian group Direct Relief.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica,” said Eric Woolworth, President of The HEAT Group’s Business Operations. “Direct Relief provides life-saving and ongoing assistance — critical as residents begin the long road to rebuilding.”

Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein echoed the sentiment, noting the company’s deep connection to Jamaica: “We need to support its communities now more than ever. Donating to Direct Relief will help fund vital assistance to individuals and families whose lives have been upended by this devastating storm.”

Direct Relief CEO Amy Weaver confirmed that 100 field medic packs — containing first aid and triage supplies — are already prepared for deployment. The organization also stands ready to ship additional medical and hygiene supplies once the Norman Manley International Airport reopens on Thursday.

Diaspora-Led Drives Gain Momentum

Across the U.S., the Jamaican diaspora is mobilizing. In New York, the American Friends of Jamaica, (AFJ) has already raised $1 million in match funds within 48 hours, with a goal to double that total. “That will go to immediate relief efforts and rebuilding,” said AFJ President Wendy Hart.

In the Bronx, Jamaicans Abroad Helping Jamaicans At Home, (JAHJAH Foundation) has opened a donation drop-off site at The Original Dumpling Shop, collecting water, food, hygiene kits, zinc sheets, and lumber for reconstruction. “We intend to send two containers — one with building materials and one with essentials,” said Dr. Trevor Dixon, the group’s founder.

In Philadelphia, donation centers at Besco Shippers (5425 Baltimore Ave) and True United Church (6201 Old York Rd) are accepting tarps, generators, canned goods, and hygiene kits, while the Jamaica Consulate of Philadelphia is coordinating volunteers.

In South Florida, cities like Miramar and Lauderhill have set up multiple fire stations as collection points. Living Well Community Care, a Boynton Beach-based team of Jamaican health professionals, is preparing to travel to rural parishes to deliver medical aid and supplies.

Damage and Urgent Needs

Four major hospitals – Black River, Noel Holmes, Cornwall Regional, and Falmouth – have sustained significant damage, disrupting medical services. The Black River Hospital’s roof was completely torn off, forcing patient evacuations.

Torrential rains triggered flash floods, especially in St. Thomas, where video footage showed cars being swept into rivers and a community shelter for the disabled on the verge of collapse. More than 51,000 people remain without power, and Jamaica’s internet connectivity has dropped to 30% of normal levels, according to NetBlocks.

Relief Logistics

Energy and Transport Minister Daryl Vaz confirmed that Norman Manley International Airport will reopen Thursday to receive humanitarian flights. The government may also utilize Ian Fleming International Airport to deliver relief to the northern parishes, as Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport suffered “potential disabling impact.”

Meanwhile, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is coordinating a sea-lift operation from Barbados, carrying essential supplies from UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and WFP itself.

How to Help

Direct Relief: Donate at directrelief.org

American Friends of Jamaica: theafj.org

JAHJAH Foundation: jahjahfoundation.org

City of Miramar & City of Lauderhill in South Florida: Drop-off locations listed on official city websites.

Living Well Community Care: Accepting medical and food donations in Boynton Beach.

In Philadelphia – donations at Besco Shippers (5425 Baltimore Ave) and True United Church (6201 Old York Rd)

Ferocious Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica As South Florida’s Diaspora Mobilizes To Help

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica/MIAMI, Florida, October 28, 2025: Ferocious winds and torrential rain ripped across Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category Five storm, the most powerful storm ever to hit the island and one of the strongest hurricanes on record. Packing sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h), the Category 5 monster carved a slow and devastating path across the Caribbean, leaving destruction, flooding, and chaos in its wake.

The Rio Cobre comes out of its banks near St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. The extremely violent Category 5 system was still crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions as maximum sustained winds reached a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour). (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

The National Hurricane Center, (NHC), warned of “catastrophic and life-threatening” winds, storm surge, and flooding, with rainfall totals expected to reach up to 40 inches in parts of Jamaica. Total structural failure was likely along Melissa’s path, especially in mountainous areas where wind speeds could reach 30% higher than those at sea level.

A flooded street is seen in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. The extremely violent Category 5 system was still crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions as maximum sustained winds reached a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour). (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Diaspora In South Florida Rallies Support

As the hurricane battered Jamaica, South Florida’s Jamaican community – home to one of the largest populations of Jamaicans outside the island – swiftly organized to send aid.

A fallen tree is seen in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. The extremely violent Category 5 system was still crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions as maximum sustained winds reached a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour). (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

The cities of Miramar, Lauderhill, and Homestead established emergency donation drop-off points, while Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a Doral-based non-profit known for rapid disaster response, began accepting both monetary and in-kind donations. Volunteers are packing emergency supply boxes with essentials such as non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, tarps, diapers, generators, and hygiene kits.

A torn off roof is seen in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. The extremely violent Category 5 system was still crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions as maximum sustained winds reached a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour). (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

“This hurricane is of unparalleled proportions to Jamaica,” said Wendy Hart, President of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), which is also collecting donations online. “We need to move quickly to get supplies where they’re most needed. Whether it’s $10 or $10,000, every bit helps.”

A blown down fence is seen in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. The extremely violent Category 5 system was still crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions as maximum sustained winds reached a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour). (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Organizations Stepping Up

AFJ, South Florida Caribbean Strong, and the Caribbean Bar Association have teamed up with GEM to mobilize volunteers and resources. “You don’t need an invitation to be there,” said Marlon Hill, lead volunteer with South Florida Caribbean Strong. “Everyone is welcome to help pack boxes for Jamaica.”

A man looks at a fallen tree in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. The extremely violent Category 5 system was still crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions as maximum sustained winds reached a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour). (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Hill, who visited Jamaica earlier this year, expressed concern about the storm’s impact on agriculture. “Many homes were still covered with tarps from last year’s Hurricane Beryl. Melissa is going to make things much worse.”

Gabrielle Thomas, president-elect of the Caribbean Bar Association, added: “Jamaicans in South Florida see ourselves as extended family. Everyone at home is praying and hoping to come out strong. Jamaicans are resilient—and we will help each other rebuild.”

Widespread Damage Across Jamaica

By early afternoon, Melissa’s eye was centered over western Jamaica near latitude 18.2°N and longitude 78.0°W, moving slowly north-northeast at 8 mph. Maximum sustained winds dropped slightly to 165 mph (270 km/h) but remained firmly within Category 5 intensity.

Authorities reported widespread power outages, flooded communities, and impassable roads as rivers burst their banks. Emergency teams were struggling to reach several rural parishes cut off by landslides.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged Jamaicans to stay indoors and assured citizens that the Jamaica Defence Force, (JDF) and the National Works Agency (NWA) were mobilized for immediate recovery efforts.

How to Help

American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ): Donate here to support relief operations.

Global Empowerment Mission (GEM): Volunteer or donate at the Doral warehouse, open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Americares Hurricane Fund: Contribute here to support emergency medical and disaster relief across the region.

Volunteers assemble relief packages for Hurricane Melissa at the Global Empowerment Mission headquarters in Miami, Florida, on October 27, 2024. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island’s most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

What’s Next

The storm’s center is forecast to move off Jamaica’s northern coast later Tuesday, then cross southeastern Cuba early Wednesday before reaching the Bahamas. Storm surges of up to 13 feet are possible along Jamaica’s southern coast, and rainfall across the island could exceed 30 inches, triggering catastrophic flash floods and landslides.

As the Caribbean braces for more devastation, the global Jamaican community continues to rally. “We’ve faced storms before,” said Hill. “But what makes us strong is how we show up – for each other.”

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