KINGSTON, Jamaica—A critical medical emergency has triggered both humanitarian response and disturbing social media hostility in Jamaica. Dacia Forrester, who should be celebrating her 41st birthday this week, remains hospitalized with critical burns after being deliberately set on fire at a Westmoreland gas station last Friday.
The Burn Foundation of Jamaica has launched an urgent campaign to raise US$55,000 for an air ambulance to transfer Forrester to a specialized United States medical facility for life-saving treatment. Current fundraising efforts have yielded only US$5,168, leaving a critical shortfall of nearly US$50,000 with time rapidly diminishing.
Complicating rescue efforts, malicious social media actors have launched a coordinated smear campaign against the victim, attempting to dissuade potential donors through character assassination and even expressing wishes for her death. Stephen Josephs, co-founder of the Burn Foundation, expressed dismay at the lack of compassion shown by these individuals, none of whom are from Westmoreland or personally acquainted with Forrester.
Josephs emphasized the medical urgency, noting that Forrester has sustained burns covering over 40% of her body—injuries too severe for adequate treatment within Jamaica’s healthcare system. While American medical facilities have accepted Forrester and a major U.S. donor has committed to covering the anticipated US$1 million hospital expenses, the absence of air ambulance funding prevents her transfer.
The foundation has made urgent appeals to the Jamaica Constabulary Force to issue an official statement countering the misinformation campaign. Forrester’s sister, Carol Blackwood Hewitt, highlighted the devastating impact her potential death would have on Forrester’s three dependent children.
Those wishing to contribute to the emergency medical transfer can contact the Burn Foundation of Jamaica at 876-344-7028 or visit crisissupportcharity.org to make donations specifically designated for the air ambulance service.