The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information is mourning the tragic loss of O’Neil Stevens, Principal of Jesse Ripoll Primary School, and his wife, Camesha Lindsay-Stevens, who both passed away following a motor vehicle accident in the United States on Friday.
Despite the best efforts of emergency personnel, both succumbed to their injuries.
Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, expressed profound condolences to the Stevens family and the wider Jesse Ripoll Primary School community.
“The news of Mr Stevens’ untimely passing is a profound loss to the education fraternity and the nation,” the minister said.
“He was more than an exemplary leader; he was a beacon of inspiration and dedication. His vision for excellence in education and his steadfast commitment to the holistic development of our students left an indelible mark on the Jesse Ripoll Primary School community,” said Morris Dixon.
“Alongside him, Mrs Stevens was a supportive partner and a cherished presence to the extended school family, always contributing with grace and generosity. This is a tragic start to the new Easter school term, and our hearts are heavy with grief,” the minister added.
To support the grieving school community, the ministry has activated its trauma and grief counselling teams. These teams will be on-site at Jesse Ripoll Primary School, starting Monday, January 6, 2025, to assist students and staff during this difficult time.
The ministry has called on the public to keep the Stevens family and the Jesse Ripoll school community in their thoughts and prayers.
The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has also expressed shock at the death of Stevens and his wife, while expressing condolences to their family members and the Jesse Ripoll Primary School community.
