Raheem Williams’ determination shines amid adversity

In the midst of heartbreak and adversity, Raheem Williams faces a daunting challenge that threatens his resilience. Grief weighs heavily on his shoulders following the tragic loss of his brother, Verval Smith.

Smith's life was cut short by unknown assailants on June 25 while at Williams' car wash on Selassie Drive in St Andrew.

Raheem Williams, who captured the hearts of STAR readers in November 2021 with his extraordinary story of navigating life on his hands due to an undiagnosed condition, now finds himself grappling with profound sorrow. Despite his personal struggles, he nurtured a dream of walking normally someday. Undeterred by his disability, Williams had embarked on an entrepreneurial journey as a car wash operator, launching his business venture in January of the same year.

Tragedy struck when his 28-year-old brother, who walked without impediment, and assisted Williams in his car washing enterprise, fell victim to a brutal attack while at their home. The traumatic incident has thrust Williams into a double role - not only must he seek out new customers and perform the rigorous task of cleaning vehicles, but he must also contend with the haunting memories of that fateful day.

"Me nah lie to yuh, it rough pon me because nobody nuh want come down here. Dem fraid because a the violence. It lef me in a spot because me really a wonder wah a go gwan fi me now," Williams told THE STAR.

"Dem [the customers] a tell me plain say dem love how me wash car but dem fraid fi come a my foot make me wash the car. This violence ting nuh good fi me. This a how me earn a likkle living, this a my business, memba me caah walk so weh this left me fi do now?" the 29-year-old reasoned.

In the midst of his grief, Williams envisions a solution - making his car wash, First Nation Carwash, mobile. He hopes that by doing so, he can continue serving his customers while keeping them safe from the dangers that have infiltrated his neighbourhood. Williams dreams of purchasing a vehicle that will allow him to take his business on the road, washing awnings, gates, and more. He's willing to put in the hard work to achieve his goals, but he needs support to turn his vision into a reality.

"Me just need help in purchasing a vehicle, me done have the power wash tools, me just wah fi be mobile. Me will wash awning, wash gate front, wash more car, me will do anything but me caah do nothing from my yard cause nobody nah come to me again true the violence. Things slow for me and me nuh want lose my business. Me is a trying yute," he pleaded.

For those who wish to support Raheem Williams, he can be reached at (876) 482-0288.