Help Levi Save His Restaurant - Empowering Gambian Youths

Hi, my name is Levi Scarlett and I am the Owner of 'Jamaica Jamaica Restaurant' located in The Gambia.

Backstory

I came to The Gambia to start afresh after my popular restaurant, All Island Grill (situated 17 Bradberry St, N168JN), was unfairly treated by the Hackney local UK council due to gentrification and finally closed in 2022.

Protestors made a petition to fight against All Island Grill closing: https://www.change.org/p/save-all-island-grill-dalston-from-ethnic-cleansing

I have been doing business at that address for over 20 years, first as a car repair store, then hair salon to finally a restaurant. With little funds I had left, I relocated to The Gambia to start over, and achieve a better quality of life. While adjusting to a different culture, I aimed at exposing authentic Jamaican culture to the locals since they already love the culture so much.

After 2 years, now in my 60s, I help local youths to seek more for themselves. I help broaden their learning Jamaican cuisine, sewing, construction, business management, entrepreneurship, and customer service etiquette. The job market is really poor in the country so they depend on me. Most of my business comes from tourist season. So, during rainy season when there's little to no tourists, the country comes to a stop.

There's progress happening, but it is not enough to sustain the business currently while keeping a full Gambian staff. I had to let go of the majority of my staff, and that is barely enough to afford keeping the lights on and buying supplies. It is not easy, but I keep the faith and remain positive, because even with the difficulties I still find happiness.

I am raising funds to keep Jamaica Jamaica in business and provide the local youths with employment especially during the off-season where there are less tourists traveling to the Gambia.

With your much-needed donations I will:

*price estimated*

Strengthening Jamaica Jamaica long term:

Whether it’s a donation or simply spreading the word your generous donations will truly go a long way. With these expenses taken cared of, this can make way for me to focus on a long term goal of getting land to farm on to cut out meat and produce expenses, and no longer pay rent etc.

Thank you all for your time and consideration in being a part of our community, and for standing by us when we need it the most!

Best Jamaican Food in Gambia Tripadvisor Review

Google Review

Youtube video:

To The Almighty One of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob be all the esteem and praises!