Broward County partners mobilize massive aid mission to help storm-hit Caribbean communities
Broward County, Florida – Broward County Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis is working with local groups and partners to coordinate a big relief effort for Jamaica and other portions of the Caribbean that were hit hard by Hurricane Melissa. Davis held a press conference on November 5 to talk about the critical humanitarian needs in the area and thank the community for their strong reaction so far.
Davis, who grew up in Jamaica, spoke with deep concern for those affected by the storm.
“I was raised in Jamaica and still have close family and friends on the island,” said Davis. “Everybody survived, but they are traumatized. They have many needs. It’s not just a natural disaster-it’s a humanitarian effort that’s needed now.”
The Florida Panthers Foundation is also helping out. Vice President John Colombo said that the group is collecting both money and goods.
“The Florida Panthers are very lucky to have a fan base that cares about its community, and we’re very thrilled to have partners that support even beyond our community. We’re very proud to be able to provide items in need to support those in need in Jamaica,” he said.
Caribbean-born community leaders also spoke out to encourage people to give throughout the holidays. Marlon Hill, a lawyer from Jamaica, asked people in Florida to spend Thanksgiving helping Jamaica.
“Give anything above zero to an organization you know is doing the work, along with any comfort items-tents, tarpaulins, air mattresses, hygiene items, and nourishment. Food is running out,” Hill said.
The County’s Office of Emergency Management is working with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, local partners, Broward County Public Schools, and the Florida Panthers to make sure that donations are sent and given out quickly to the people who need them the most.
Captain Barrington Irving Jr., a Jamaican pilot who is the youngest and first Black person to fly alone around the world, is in charge of the airlift operations that will bring the supplies.
“We’re taking 50,000 pounds of cargo at a time on a Boeing 737-800 and forth from South Florida to Jamaica.” He continued, saying, “We’ve had folks call and say, ‘Hey, I have a garage filled with items-I just don’t know how to get it there.’ The whole point is to get these items into the hands of people in the various communities. Our first two trips start next Monday and Tuesday and will continue through Thanksgiving.”
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The Broward County School District, which is managed by Jamaican-born School Board member Jeff Holness, is also taking part in the concerted effort. The district is working with BrightStar Credit Union, student councils, the PTA, and other groups in the education field to gather and ship supplies to Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas, and adjacent islands.
The County’s official website has a comprehensive list of drop-off sites and needed supplies. The community continues to support Commissioner Davis’s plea to help individuals who are rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa’s destruction.
See the list of County facility drop-off locations and items needed.
