Help the “Guardian Angel” of Whitesands, Negril Rebuild After Hurricane Melissa

Goal: $5,000

For over 20 years, Jamaica has been the beauty that taught me love, peace, and resilience. But today, my heart feels so heavy.

My dear friend—known by so many at Whitesands in Negril as the “Guardian Angel of Security” —finally called after Hurricane Melissa. It was the first time I’d heard her voice since the storm. Her roof is gone. Her sister’s home, gone. And yet, through tears, she kept saying over and over, “ I’m satisfied”. Satisfied that she still has life and the ability to help.

After the hurricane, she stayed with someone who treated her cruelly during one of the hardest times of her life. She eventually left, and where she’s staying now is safer and calmer—but it costs half her salary. Even with nothing left of her own, she still can’t stop helping others. She’s feeding people in her community, sharing what little she has, and even caring for a young mother and her baby who lost everything.

She told me, “People think they know from the news, but they don’t.” And she’s right. The devastation in Negril is far worse than what most of us have seen. They are struggling to find stability and safety.

With her permission, this GoFundMe is to help her rebuild—to provide a safe home, cover essentials like food and clothing, and replace what was lost in the storm. Every dollar will go directly toward helping her stand on her feet again and continue caring for those around her, the same way she’s cared for countless people at Whitesands over the years.

If you’ve ever stayed at Whitesands, you probably remember her—always smiling, always protecting, always helping. She’s that quiet presence who made sure everyone felt safe and loved. Now, it’s our turn to look after her.

No amount is too small. Whether it’s $5, $20, or $100—everything helps. If you can’t donate, please share this link. The more people who see it, the more hope we can bring to her and her daughter.

All funds will go to Karen

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping someone who has given her heart to others for so long.

#NegrilStrong #HurricaneMelissa #JamaicaLove