A community is in mourning. A family is shattered. And a woman who fought with every ounce of strength she had is gone.
Dacia Forrester, 42, has passed away after spending weeks battling for her life following one of the most heartbreaking and senseless acts of violence Jamaica has seen in recent memory. She died Thursday while undergoing treatment at hospital — her body having endured burns to more than 50 percent of her skin after she was deliberately set on fire at a gas station in Whithorn, Westmoreland.
Let that sink in. Set on fire. At a gas station. Over an argument.
According to reports, the incident began in February when Forrester became involved in a dispute with Collate Swaby, a pump attendant at the Whithorn gas station. The manager asked Forrester to leave — and she did. But the situation was far from over.
Forrester reportedly returned to the station with her sister, and the argument reignited. What followed was a threat that no one should ever have to hear — and one that Swaby allegedly carried out without hesitation. Before witnesses could intervene, Swaby used a lighter to set Forrester ablaze, leaving her with devastating burns across half of her body.
A struggle had ensued moments before the attack. Swaby also sustained injuries to the eye and face during the confrontation.
For weeks, Dacia fought. She held on. But on Thursday, she lost that fight — and Jamaica lost her.
Swaby was charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm following the attack. With Forrester’s passing, it is expected that those charges will now be elevated to reflect the full weight of what has occurred.
No argument. No dispute. No disagreement of any kind is worth a human life. Dacia Forrester deserved to go home that day. She deserved to grow older. She deserved better than what she was given.
To her family and loved ones — Jamaica grieves with you. May she rest in perfect peace. 🕊️
If you or someone you know has been a victim of violence, please contact the Jamaica Constabulary Force at 119.
