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Help Rebuild the Western Hospitality Institute (WHI) After Hurricane Melissa’s Devastating Destruction
My name is Eladio Vassell, and I’m a proud graduate of the Western Hospitality Institute (WHI) in Jamaica. I was born in Jamaica and now live in the United States, where I work in higher education. I’m raising funds on behalf of the Western Hospitality Institute (WHI).
Founded in September 1988, the Western Hospitality Institute (WHI) has served as one of Jamaica’s leading institutions for hospitality and tourism education for nearly four decades. The school is a registered tertiary institution with the University Council of Jamaica, holding institutional accreditation with Premier Status from the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC) in the United Kingdom.
What Happened
On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, bringing the highest wind speeds recorded in the region. The Western Hospitality Institute’s main campus suffered catastrophic damage: roofs torn away, entire floors flooded, classrooms and training labs destroyed, and equipment ruined. The entire third-floor roof was ripped off, leaving classrooms, offices, student housing, and storage areas exposed to the elements. In just a few hours, the heart of the students’ learning environment was lost.
Why This School Matters
WHI isn’t just another college; it’s a lifeline for Jamaica’s youth. For 38 years, WHI has provided opportunities for students who would otherwise never access higher education.
- 92% of WHI’s students come from disenfranchised, inner-city communities.
- 90% study through scholarship or assistantship programs, working on campus to fund their education.
- I was one of them. WHI gave me the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, and later helped me attend the University of Birmingham (UK) to complete my master’s degree.
This institution truly changes lives. It stands as a beacon of hope for young people across Jamaica, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Why I’m Organizing This Campaign
Because GoFundMe does not currently support direct withdrawals in Jamaica, this campaign has been endorsed by WHI’s Executive Chairman and Senior Management Committee. I will personally collect all funds in the United States and forward 100% directly to the Western Hospitality Institute for rebuilding.
To ensure full transparency, donors will receive monthly updates with photos, receipts, and progress reports.
Anyone wishing to verify this campaign can contact Dr. Cecil Cornwall, Executive Chairman of the Western Hospitality Institute, directly by phone at (876)-886-1545 or by email at [email redacted]
How the Funds Will Be Spent
All donations will go exclusively toward physical reconstruction and recovery of WHI’s facilities damaged by Hurricane Melissa.
Project Estimated Cost (USD)
Roof Repairs (entire third floor) $45,000
Flooring Repairs $25,000
Computer Lab Restoration $15,000
Bartending Lab Rebuild $10,000
Housekeeping Lab Rebuild $10,000
Office Repairs $8,000
Classroom Repairs $20,000
Total Goal: US $150,000 by January 2026
How Your Gift Helps
$100 helps repair a classroom door.
$500 assists with rebuilding a practical training lab.
$1,000 helps replace roof sections over teaching wings.
Every contribution, big or small, brings WHI one step closer to reopening.
As a token of gratitude, contributors will have their names included on a donor recognition plaque displayed in the halls of WHI once reconstruction is complete.
This is our moment as alumni, friends, and supporters to give back to the institution that shaped us all.
Please donate if you can and share this campaign with others who believe in education, opportunity, and resilience.
Together, we can rebuild WHI and ensure its doors open once again for generations to come.