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Education minister demands accountability for death of Trelawny teen

Published:Wednesday | August 9, 2023 | 12:07 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams (centre) interacts with Speaker of the House of Representatives, Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert (second left), the member of parliament for Southern Trelawny, while looking on are Falmouth Mayor Collen Gager (rig
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Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams (centre) interacts with Speaker of the House of Representatives, Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert (second left), the member of parliament for Southern Trelawny, while looking on are Falmouth Mayor Collen Gager (right); Harlene Gordon, social worker and guidance education officer; and Delroy Williams, community relations education officer, both of the Ministry of Education and Youth Region 3.

WESTERN BUREAU:

As grief and shock settled into the hearts of the people of Albert Town in Trelawny, Fayval Williams, minister of education and youth, yesterday expressed sorrow over the loss of a promising young Jamaican talent.

The 15-year-old, Jamila Cole, tragically passed away at a Kingston hospital on Monday morning, following a devastating attack during which she was beaten, bound, and left for dead in a yam field near her home in Cotton Tree, Albert Town, on Sunday.

Jamila’s mother, Shanice Anderson, and her cousin, Kayla Dawson, who were also assaulted, are currently receiving medical treatment.

Jamila was not only a bright student but a relative of the school principal at Troy High School. Her dedication to academics was evident, and her potential was undeniable, said Williams.

Reflecting on the loss, the minister expressed her sadness while speaking with the media on Tuesday afternoon.

During her visit to the community, Williams called for residents to come forward with any information they might have about the perpetrators. She pleaded for the community’s cooperation in solving the heinous crime and bringing the culprits to justice.

“We must hold someone accountable for this tragedy,” she emphasised, reminding everyone that a 15-year-old girl lost her life and her mother remains hospitalised without even comprehending the reason for her injuries. Jamila’s mother suffered a head injury and was unconscious upon arrival at the hospital. Her cousin was also struck in the head. She managed to escape into the nearby bushes after putting up a fight against the intruders.

The incident has not only shattered a family but deeply impacted the entire community. In the wake of the tragedy, the boyfriend of a family member has been taken into custody and is currently detained as the police continue their investigation.

CONCERNS

Williams, alongside Marisa Dalrymple Philibert, member of parliament for South Trelawny, raised concern about incest in the area. She expressed a worry that such practices were becoming normalised, particularly in relation to underage girls and schoolchildren. As a ministry, she asserted the importance of raising awareness that such actions are wrong and ensuring they do not take root in Jamaican society.

“The normalisation of promiscuity and incest is something we must address and prevent,” she emphasised.

Her concerns regarding the incident on Sunday were echoed by the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica (LMAJ), which strongly condemned the tragic and senseless loss of the 10th-grade student at Troy High.

Trevor Heaven, a member of the LMAJ, indicated that he was outraged and saddened by the violent act that claimed Jamila’s life. He likened the incident to previous cases that shocked the nation’s conscience, highlighting the importance of addressing and improving the mental well-being of the society.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com