It was a moment filled with emotion, gratitude and overwhelming joy for 60-year-old Cambridge resident Wellesly Samuels, who finally returned to his community after spending more than three years at Cornwall Regional Hospital.
Samuels’ prolonged stay at the hospital followed a tragic hit-and-run accident in his community approximately three years ago. Although he had been medically discharged, his circumstances left him without a suitable home to return to, resulting in him remaining at the hospital.
However, thanks to the compassion and intervention of Oral Spence, Project Manager of the Burchell McPherson Housing Project, Samuels was given a new lease on life with the presentation of a one-room board house in his community of White Sand, Cambridge, on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the occasion, attended by Councillor for the Catadupa Division Kenroy Gordon; Kerry-Ann Callum, Social Worker at Cornwall Regional Hospital; Father Wojciech Szpylma; tiler Donovan Cummings; Nzinga Nelson; and Samuels’ sister, Lumeisha, who will be assisting with his care.
The occasion was made even more special as it coincided with Samuels’ 60th birthday. In a heartwarming celebration, a small birthday cake was presented for him and his sister to cut, accompanied by a bottle of wine, adding a touch of festivity to an otherwise emotional homecoming.
Overcome with emotion, Samuels struggled to contain his tears as he reflected on the long-awaited opportunity to return home.
“I am so happy to be home, despite being in this unfortunate situation. I was hit down by a motor car some three years ago, and the driver did not stop to assist me. Here I am now, paralysed, but I give God thanks to be alive,” he shared.
Before the accident, Samuels was known in the Cambridge community as a skilled and dependable handyman, always willing to lend his services to residents who needed assistance with household tasks. Sadly, the accident has left him unable to walk and has significantly changed the course of his life.
While his return home represents a significant milestone, the journey ahead will require continued support. His sister, Lumeisha, who has taken on the responsibility of caring for him, will need assistance to meet the financial and practical demands of his ongoing care.
The family is therefore appealing to members of the public, well-wishers, community groups and corporate organisations to lend a helping hand. Contributions, whether financial or in kind, would be greatly appreciated as they work towards ensuring that Samuels receives the care, comfort and support he needs.
After more than three years away, Wellesly Samuels has finally returned to the place he calls home. His story is a reminder that while life’s circumstances can change in an instant, compassion, kindness and community support can help restore hope and dignity.
For Wellesly, this homecoming is more than receiving a house; it is the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with hope, gratitude and the comfort of finally being home.