Michael Downer Fight for Jamaican Tourism Workers' Right

Hello, my name is Michael Downer. For over a decade, I’ve proudly served in Jamaica’s tourism industry as a professional butler, welcoming guests from around the world with warmth and dedication. But today, I find myself in a fight I never expected—a fight for justice, fairness, and the dignity of every tourism worker in Jamaica.

Recently, I was unfairly terminated from my position at Royalton and Blue Waters after taking a stand for the rights of workers like me. Following a strike by team members, I wrote a heartfelt document to management, highlighting critical concerns we face daily, including:

• Adequate rest and humane working hours.

• Job security for loyal employees.

• Proper tools and resources to perform our duties.

• Fair pay, including overtime compensation.

• Access to decent dining facilities.

• Clean drinking water and on-the-job care.

I even spoke out during a meeting with all managers and corporate leaders, bringing attention to these urgent issues. Sadly, my courage to advocate for my fellow workers led to my dismissal.

But I refuse to let this injustice silence me. Instead, I’m committed to using my voice to make a lasting impact. My dream is to create a union for Jamaican tourism workers—a formal organization that will protect their rights, advocate for fair treatment, and demand dignity for all.

This GoFundMe campaign has two important goals:

1 Immediate Support: Covering essential personal expenses like bills, school fees for my son, and daily living costs while I focus on this fight.

2 Union Building: Establishing a robust union to ensure workers in Jamaica’s tourism industry receive the fair treatment and respect they deserve.

Jamaica’s tourism workers are the heart of our island’s economy. We are the ones who create the memories guests treasure, yet many of us are undervalued and exploited. It’s time for change.

I need your help to turn this vision into reality. With your generosity, we can stand together to demand better conditions, fair pay, and a brighter future for all who make Jamaica the paradise it is.

Thank you for your support, encouragement, and belief in this mission. Together, we can create lasting change for every Jamaican tourism worker.

Sincerely,


Michael Downer