Belver Williams-Niblett, a 61-year-old Jamaican-Australian expatriate known for her generosity, charm and adventurous spirit, died July 9, 2024. She touched many lives through her kindness. “I called, she answered,” was a common sentiment among the nearly 150 attendees at her funeral service held on July 27 in Melbourne, Australia — a testament to her selflessness.
Born in Trelawny, Jamaica, Williams-Niblett’s life spanned two continents , combining her heritage with the community she built in Australia. She found fame through her voice and hosted legendary Jamaican-themed parties at her Melbourne home when she wasn’t singing. She even found moments of fame dancing with former Prime Minister of Jamaica Michael Manley, and appeared on an Australian national football TV show.
She never turned away a lonely stranger, was always willing to feed the hungry and readily stepped in as a surrogate parent for young Jamaican expats living in Australia. Her husband of 24 years Shane Niblett recalls one of his fondest memories with her: “About six years ago I got some tickets for a national television football show. There was an ad break during the show and the warm-up man would entertain the audience.
He asked who would like to pretend to be a coach. Of course, Belver’s hand went straight up but he didn’t choose her. “Before the show was ready to go live, she suddenly stood up and said, ‘You didn’t choose me because I’m Jamaican and you think I don’t know anythi.