Written by Kareem LaTouche
The humid air clung to my skin like a second layer as I hopped into the gleaming coaster bus, parked beside Villa on the Rocks, an AirBNB property in Trelawny. This wasn’t just any transportation company in Jamaica,this was Purpose Driven Tours Jamaica, and I was here to meet the man behind the wheel, Lyndon McFarlane.
Lyndon, a man with a gentle smile and a voice that carried the cadence of a seasoned teacher, greeted me warmly. He was, as promised, a humble soul, prone to over-explaining, but with a sincerity that was disarming. “While I was teaching in the classroom in 2008, I started to do tours on the side,” he confessed, the air in the bus thick with the scent of freshly cleaned upholstery and a hint of the island’s earthy spice.
From Classroom to Coastline
Having spent countless hours traversing the North Coast, passing through places like St. Ann, Trelawny, and St. James, Lyndon knew the potential. These locations are home to many tourist hotspots – from the laughter echoing from Dolphin Cove, the roaring cascades of Dunn’s River Falls to the mysterious depths of Green Grotto. “In those days I had a seven-seater minivan that would transport my passengers,” he reminisced, his eyes reflecting the sunlight filtering through the tinted windows.
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His dedication paid off. Situated strategically near the tourist meccas of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, his reputation for reliability and professionalism grew. “It was on my heart and I know that it was the right career move to make,” he said, his voice imbued with conviction as he recalled the moment he resigned from his teaching career to dedicate himself fully to his burgeoning tour business.
The Storm and the Miracle
Soon after he invested in a coaster, a symbol of his ambition, only to be met with the crushing blow of the pandemic. “I was fully invested in my company and then COVID-19 struck and by early 2020 everything was at a stand still.” The vibrant energy of the North Coast dissipated, replaced by an eerie silence. “I had all these expenses. From paying insurance on the vehicles to putting groceries in the house and no income being generated.”
Desperate, he turned to a loan shark, a decision born of sheer necessity. “I had to do something, so I went to a loan shark company and borrowed some money at very high interest rates.” The weight of the debt was immense, a burden he and his wife could only surrender to faith. “For months we were not able to make any payments, so me and my wife had to leave it to God and take the pressure off our shoulders.”
The reprieve was short-lived. “The loan officer called and said, ‘the money is due!’ And if I couldn’t pay it, they were taking the bus.” Lyndon’s voice dropped slightly, the memory still vivid. But then, a miracle. “I had a client, Holly, who I had developed a very good relationship with based on my professionalism and reliability. I had told her about my ordeal some time back. To my surprise, she started a GoFundMe on her Facebook page.”
The response was overwhelming. Strangers, touched by his story, rallied to his aid. “Shortly after, the people from the loan place said they had given my account over to the bailiff and they were coming for the coaster.” Lyndon, with unwavering faith, replied, “you don’t have to do this, I’ll get you the money.” And he did. “It tested my faith and God delivered!” he declared, the words ringing with genuine gratitude.
Beyond the Destination
Today, Purpose Driven Tours Jamaica is in a better place. Business has returned, and Lyndon’s gratitude is palpable. “I have had so many friends who have lost everything and to know that I was able to come out of the storm, I really can’t complain.”
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