Disclaimer: For protection over the workers that I personally spoke with, I will not be disclosing their personal names or place of employment. The employees advised me that they were prohibited from speaking out to guests at the resort about their personal misfortunes to prevent any interruption of business.
Hello my name is Sahn. I recently had the privilege of traveling back to my parents’ native country of Jamaica, for a wedding that was planned a year in advance.
Coincidentally, our arrival date fell one week after the category 5 Hurricane Melissa hit in late October - leaving behind significant countrywide devastation. Deciding to still travel there was nerve racking at times.. But the trip itself was well worth it. God really showed up and provided such beautiful moments for us to connect with the people there on both a spiritual and emotional level.
During my stay at this resort (name not disclosed for privacy and protection purposes), I was able to speak to a handful of the employees there; all of which were able to provide transparency surrounding their personal lives and how the hurricane personally affected them.
Each one of them were reluctant to speak up at first, due to concern for them getting in trouble by management… but after some trust was established and they sensed my genuine concern, they all began to speak up. Stories poured out of each of them like a domino effect… stories of homes being demolished, no internet, no roofs, leaks, extensive damage, etc. Some had to be temporarily re-homed whilst others are still struggling to find places to stay. For majority of the people that I spoke with, they were only able to attain a WiFi signal through their place of employment. But if they don't have hours to work, then they would be subjected to staying at home without clean water, WiFi, or stable habitable conditions.
All of the employees consistently thanked us for still choosing to come - because had we not - they would not have had the hours to work.. and as we all know.. no work.. means no paycheck...in their cases, to be able to help them in their dire times of need.
I felt it necessary to create a Spotfund for them to collectively split the proceeds amongst themselves to help with home restoration, food & grocery, internet, gas, bills, etc. There are SEVERAL different crowd funding campaigns happening right now to assist with post hurricane Melissa relief - so if you feel led, I encourage you to check those out as well.
However, this specific campaign is to provide support specifically for the eight individuals that I met and conversed with while in Jamaica recently.
The way that the employees at this resort still showed up, smiled, served with grace and patience, and professionalism…whilst simultaneously battling such extreme levels of hardship in their personal lives was.. Incredible.. But also devastating.
For those on the fence of still traveling to Jamaican resorts right now, I encourage you to keep the trip. Of course, vet the resort and do your research but keep the trip.. Their hours depend on it.
I also encourage tourists to tip generously. The currency exchange from USD to JMD is significant and would help them out TREMENDOUSLY as well.
In short, every dollar counts..
If you are unable to financially donate, I totally understand and in no way want to pressure anyone into doing something they have no desire to.
To those also experiencing financial hardship, I just ask for your prayers and for you to please share this on your socials so that we may gain exposure and help reach our funding goal.
Thank you so much for your time.
God bless,
Sahn
