Congressman Torres, Bronx Leaders Urge State Department to Deliver Immediate Emergency Assistance to Jamaica Amid Devastating Hurricane Melissa

Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) led a coalition of Bronx elected officials urging the U.S. Department of State to immediately deploy emergency aid and support to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic destruction across the island.

In a letter initiated by Congressman Torres and signed by Congressman George Latimer (NY-16), New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, the Bronx leaders called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to mobilize federal resources to assist Jamaica in the aftermath of one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record.

With one of the largest Jamaican diasporas in the United States, the Bronx is home to deep cultural, familial, and economic ties to Jamaica. Many Bronx residents are anxiously awaiting word from loved ones on the island and are already working to support relief efforts locally.

The full letter is attached as a PDF here.