Dear Editor,

On Thursday, April 21, 2022, approximately 11:44 pm, while travelling alone from Ocho Rios to Kingston via Moneague, I hit a pothole and my tire immediately went flat. Due to the time of the night and how dark the area was, I decided to continue driving until I reached a lit area.

I drove for five minutes, although it seemed twice as long, before I got to the Moneague Jamaica Defence Force camp.

I drove up to the entrance of the camp gate, stopped the car, and two soldiers came out. I quickly told them my ordeal, and one of them told me he could help by lending me his spare tyre after his duty ended.

I patiently waited until he could assist me. He was so attentive, yet his tone was serious. He asked me to get my lug tool, he used his jack, then placed his spare on my car. We noticed only three lug nuts were able to fit; however, he assured me that I would reach home safely, all I needed to do was to drive at a modified speed.

I got in the car, thanked him wholeheartedly, and let him know I would be back before noon as that was the time he was scheduled to leave the camp.

I started the car, put it in drive, then realised it wasn’t moving. He quickly looked at the wheel, then said my tyre was too big and that’s the reason the car was not moving. I sadly asked: “So what I am going to do?” Without hesitation, he said, “I will give you my car, all you need to do is reach home safely and be back by noon.” I was so grateful, but also astounded at the lengths this stranger was willing to go to assist me.

On my way home he called to tell me that if police officers attempted to stop me, I should ensure they are in a marked vehicle before pulling over, if not, I should continue to drive. I called him as soon as I reached my destination.

I returned his car at noon, I was right on time.

It was raining, but he helped me to put on my new tyre, took all my belongings from his car to mine, and told me to be careful on the roads and have a great day. (During the transfer of my belongings from his car to mine, I failed to close his windows and his car interior got wet. Sorry, Mr Green)

I felt like he was placed at the camp on that fateful night to be my angel of rescue. I am extremely grateful for his sincere kindness. I could not keep this experience to myself.

I want to assure you all that there are still special people out there and if you want to be in the presence of one, its quite easy, just be one.

Nicola Bryan-Llewellyn