Novlet Samuels selflessly living and loving all

Hailed as an unsung hero and good Samaritan in her community, Novlet Samuels has devoted her life to making the needs of those who seek her help a priority, sometimes to the point of denying her own.

The former early childhood teacher and practical nurse, who now works as a colporteur, is a force in the Old England community of Manchester. She is constantly running errands for the incapacitated, thus ensuring their healthcare needs are met. She also feeds the hungry and ensures that those battered by life's hardships have a shoulder to cry on.

"I can't even say how long I started because it [giving back] has always been a part of me. I just have this passion to help so wherever the need is, I always try to help. Even if I cannot supply it, I always find some other way or some other person who can help," she said.

A quick grocery store run for a needy person is second nature for Samuels, but praying for individuals and counselling children and families are at the heart of what she does.

"I grew up with my grandparents and they were always helping. We had a lot of pear trees and breadfruit, persons would always be coming in ... I think that is where it [giving nature] was instilled in me and then I became a Christian," she said. For the past 40 years, her giving nature has transcended into the work of the church, where she lives out her purpose for serving mankind.

"Over the years I have served as health ministry director, personal ministry director, children's ministry director. I have done it all," she said.

With what she described as many near-death experiences, including being in a coma for three days, Samuels said she believes she is on this earth to inject positivity.

"One of the most frightening experiences was when I was on my way to Clarendon on the Bustamante Highway and a truck was coming and I saw a stone coming off the truck and it ended up right in the windshield. All I could say was 'Jesus!' Even the police came on the scene and wondered how I could still be alive ... . This [service] is my purpose. I feel fulfilled, even if I don't get a thank you I just feel fulfilled doing it," she said.

Samuels is hoping she can do more for those who need it. She is firm in the belief that there is a silver lining at the end of every dark cloud, and she is strong in her will to help people find that joy.

"Never give up. No matter how dark and rough the road may seem, there is light at the end of the tunnel and just know that Jesus will see you through. This too shall pass," she said.