A GoFundMe campaign has been launched on behalf of Collat Swaby, the 30-year-old gas station attendant charged in connection with the Whithorn, Westmoreland incident that left a woman with severe burns to her body.
The fundraiser was created by Swaby’s family, who say she was acting in self-defense when the incident occurred at her workplace.
The Family’s Account
According to the GoFundMe page, Swaby is a hardworking mother of two who was allegedly attacked at her place of work by two individuals who were reportedly armed. Her family says she sustained injuries to the upper part of her body during the confrontation and used what was available to her to protect herself while fearing for her life.
Despite what her family describes as an act of self-defense, Swaby now faces legal charges and is urgently seeking support to secure proper legal representation.
What the Funds Will Cover
The family says donations raised through the campaign will go toward three critical needs — legal fees for Swaby’s defense, medical expenses from the injuries she sustained during the incident, and living expenses as she navigates what they describe as an extremely difficult and traumatic time.
A Community Divided
The Westmoreland gas station incident has sparked significant debate across Jamaica and on social media, with strong opinions on both sides. While a separate fundraising campaign continues for burn victim Dacia Forrester — who remains in critical condition and urgently needs to be airlifted overseas for treatment — Swaby’s family is now appealing for equal compassion and support.
The Burn Foundation of Jamaica has been working to raise US$55,000 to cover air ambulance costs for Forrester, whose condition remains critical. So far just under US$6,000 has been raised toward that goal.
How to Help Collat Swaby
Those wishing to support Collat Swaby’s legal defense fund can visit her GoFundMe page to make a contribution. Her family says any amount helps and is asking those who cannot donate to please share the fundraiser with others.
This story involves an ongoing police investigation. No verdict has been reached and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
