LAUDERHILL, Fla. — Broward County Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers held a press conference Friday to encourage residents to support relief efforts for Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread damage in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands.
The event took place at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, where Rogers — a native of Jamaica — was joined by a coalition of elected officials and community leaders with ties to the Caribbean.
The press conference highlighted Broward County’s coordinated donation drive and encouraged residents to contribute essential supplies at designated drop-off locations.
Rogers emphasized the role of the Caribbean diaspora and the power of community action in helping Jamaica recover and rebuild.
“Physically these commissioners are here — but they’ve made it clear mentally they’re in Jamaica,” Rogers said, standing alongside several county commissioners who showed a unified front in support of the Caribbean islands devastated by the Category 5 storm.
The relief effort, led by Rogers and supported by Broward County officials, is seeking donations of generators, trash bags, canned foods, deodorant and other necessities.
“It is hard when you can’t see or know for sure that all is well with every member of your family,” Rogers said. “That is where I’m at right now and that is why I want our community to continue to do what they have been doing — preparing to serve, preparing to help.”
Broward Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn, who also has Jamaican roots, shared how deeply personal the disaster feels for many in the local Caribbean community.
“My family is from Jamaica. We were able to get in contact with them late Monday,” Hepburn said. “As you have seen some of the aerial photos, the disaster photos — the area was impacted, homes toppled, roofs gone — and they’re in good spirits, hopefully trying to get back to some normalcy soon.”
Rogers said the outpouring of support from Broward’s Caribbean diaspora has been overwhelming. She added that Port Everglades is waiving tariff charges for humanitarian aid and relief supplies being sent by sea to affected areas.
“This is who we are — Broward stands with the Caribbean,” Rogers said.
Here’s a list of location and supplies that you could donate:
Local 10 viewers can watch the full press conference here:
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