Meet the CT residents providing relief for the victims of Hurricane Melissa

By Tess Terrible,

Published November 13, 2025 at 6:00 AM EST

Electrical poles are down as a man bikes through the destroyed neighborood of North Street following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. Hurricane Melissa bore down on the Bahamas October 29 after cutting a path of destruction through the Caribbean, leaving 30 people dead or missing in Haiti and parts of Jamaica and Cuba in ruins. Somewhat weakened but still threatening, Melissa will bring damaging winds and flooding rains to the Bahamas Wednesday before moving on to Bermuda late Thursday, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Hurricane Melissa was one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. This Category 5 storm caused devastation in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, permanently changing the lives of those living and working in this region.

Here in Connecticut, many residents have felt the ripple effect. The West Indian community makes up a large portion of the immigrant population in Connecticut. There are 70,000 West Indian immigrants in greater Hartford area alone.

Many individuals in this community were unable to reach loved ones at the height of the storm, and are now stepping up to provide support for those impacted by the hurricane. Today, we hear from them.

Guests:

Azaria Tyler: Business Development for Shubert Theater and member of the Jamaican American Connection in New Haven
Dr. Gary Rhule: member West Indian Social Club of Hartford, and Health Sector Representative for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council
Carolyn Vermont: Vice President of the West Indian American Association of Bridgeport

Caribbean organizations in Connecticut are requesting the following items for people impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Non-perishable food, fruit and vegetable seeds, animal feed, food containers, food storage bins, disposable utensils and plates, MREs
Bedding foam, cots, mattresses, pillows, pillowcases, robes
Tools and equipment, flashlights, batteries, radios, message boards, work gloves, garbage bags
Health supplies, hygiene kits, water storage containers, water purification kits
Tarps, tents, buckets with lids, mobile storage units

Items can be dropped off at a number of locations located across the greater Hartford area.

Rehoboth Church of God, 1170 Blue Hills Ave., Bloomfield
Homecare Services, 112 Cottage Grove Rd., Bloomfield
West Indian Social Club of Hartford, 3340 Main St., Hartford
North United Methodist Church, 1205 Albany Ave., Hartford
Hartford Fire Dept. Engine Co. 10, 510 Franklin Ave., Hartford
Sport and Medical Sciences Academy, 280 Huyshope Ave., Hartford
Semilla Cafe, 1283 Main St., Hartford
A Step Above Childcare, 30 Quarry Rd., Glastonbury
Grace Episcopal Church, 311 Broad St., Windsor
Fish N Tingz Bar & Grill, 384 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester

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