A profound loss' - Education sector mourns principal and wife killed in US crash

The education sector is reeling over the passing of beloved primary school principal O'Neil Stevens, whose death the education ministry says is a "profound loss" to the nation. 

Stevens, who led the Kingston-based Jessie Ripoll Primary, and his wife, Camesha Lindsay-Stevens, were killed in a motor vehicle crash on a highway in South Carolina on Friday.

They had just completed their vacation with their two daughters and were preparing to return to Jamaica for school on Monday. 

Education Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon says Stevens 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 Jessie Ripoll Primary School community. Alongside him, Mrs Stevens was a supportive partner and a cherished presence to the extended school family, always contributing with grace and generosity," she said in a statement on Saturday. 

The ministry has deployed trauma and grief counseling teams to support staff and students when they return to school on January 7, a one day delay to the start of classes at the Roman Catholic institution. 

Marcia Thwaites, Chairman of the Jessie Ripoll Primary School Board of Management, has hailed Stevens' contributions during his seven-year tenure as principal.

"One of the most promising and dedicated young male educators and principal of our school for the past seven years, O'Neil Stevens, proud graduate of Kingston College and The Mico University College, served with mature wisdom, endearing himself to staff, students, parents, and alumni alike. He has contributed greatly to Jessie Ripoll's deserved reputation as one of the nation's finest primary schools."

Thwaites also expressed sorrow for the Stevens' two children, one of whom is a student at Jessie Ripoll. 

Dr Mark Smith, president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association also described the tragedy as a significant blow to the education sector.

"This has really been a huge shock to the system. To know this gentleman is to have a profound level of respect for him and the work that he and his team would have done." he said. 

A gathering of school board members, teachers, ministry officials, and friends is planned for January 6 at the school. 

While official details remain limited, preliminary reports shared by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston Kenneth Richards indicate that the incident happened on a highway while the Stevens were reportedly responding to a problem with their vehicle.

"The car was giving problem and they stopped on the highway, pulled off to the side. The wife came out after her husband came out, and a car just ran into them," he said, noting that the family was preparing to head back home.

He said the church is moving to support the family and school community. "Every time think about it, it unnerves me to think that such tragedy could take place," Richards said. 

In announcing the news to staff earlier, Vice Principal Marsha Moodie-Benbow urged everyone to "keep their daughters and the family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this period of unimaginable grief". 

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