One of Jamaica’s best-known television entertainment presenters, journalist Winford Williams, is thanking “God’s grace” after surviving a dramatic car crash that left him hospitalized but with no life-threatening injuries.
Reports say the vehicle carrying Williams and members of the OnStage team collided with a tour bus. Williams and his team are believed to be receiving treatment at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, St. James.
Social media posts circulating since the crash have shown the aftermath of the collision, sparking an outpouring of concern from fans. Williams sought to calm fears with a reassuring message published Sunday, July 20, on the OnStage TV Instagram channel and Facebook page, where he credited God for his survival and thanked supporters for their prayers.
“I would like to sincerely thank all my well-wishers—including fans, friends and supporters—for your outpouring of concern and kind messages following the report of the accident involving myself and members of the OnStage team,” Williams wrote.
“While some of the images circulating may seem frightening or even gruesome, thankfully, the actual injuries sustained by those of us in the vehicle were not life-threatening.
“By God’s grace, the situation is not as severe as some posts have suggested.
“At the moment, I am at the hospital awaiting further updates regarding my recovery progress. I remain hopeful and grateful for the support and prayers.
“Thank you once again for your continued love and encouragement.”
Williams’ own religious beliefs are not definitively stated publicly, but he has interviewed several gospel artists on OnStage, including Glacia Robinson, known for her hit “Hold My Hand Today,” which topped the Caribbean Gospel Music Chart for six months after its release in July 2011.
Robinson has worked as a missionary with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Jamaica and Canada, participating in the organization’s discipleship and arts programs.
OnStage TV is an entertainment, news and current affairs program based in Kingston, focusing on issues affecting Jamaicans and especially the lifestyle of Reggae and Dancehall celebrities on the island and abroad.
The Facebook post by Williams drew more than 200 responses at the time of publication, with supporters praising God that the crash was not worse and pledging prayers for recovery.
“Thank God that you and your team are okay, speedy recovery,” wrote Camille Williams, who shares the presenter’s surname but whose relation to him is unclear.
Dorothy Neal added, “Thank God! Wishing you a speedy recovery Winford and thank you for updating us yourself. Continued prayers be with you and your team!”
“Wishing you all a speedy recovery Mr. Williams,” wrote Rosalie Wright, adding a prayer emoji. “Give thanks it could have been otherwise.”
“Thank God for his love and kindness,” Terry-Ann Williams posted. “Happy you’re on the recovery journey.”
