The Rickayla Scotland Fire Appeal

On May 16, 2019 eight year old Rickayla Scotland watched as the dwelling that she shared with her parents in downtown Kingston, Jamaica went up in flames.

The next day a local newspaper carried a front page photograph of little Rickayla standing in front of the rubble that was once her home, bemoaning the fact that all her schoolbooks had been destroyed in the fire.

So far, they have received donations of books for Rickayla, but the family needs so much more. The only thing they managed to save was a mattress. They are now living in quarters loaned by a friend, with no electricity and trying their best to piece their lives back together.

Rickayla's school guidance counselor describes her as a keen student with bright prospects. But right now this little girl needs our help to resume her life. Her mom, Rushelle is a very modest person who is very shy about asking for assistance. In my interactions with her, I am inspired by her strength of character and philosophical approach to life. She has never once complained or asked for anything for herself.

These are decent, ambitious people, thrown into a negative situation through no fault of their own. Please assist if you can, in helping them move forward.