Principal defends Spice School Tour

Errol Martin, acting principal of St Catherine High School, said he is happy that dancehall artiste Spice visited her alma mater on Tuesday for her 'Ohhhh No School Tour', despite backlash about her character.

The institution welcomed back Spice as the third stop in her school tour, which has now been cancelled. The visit, which seemed to be highly anticipated by students and faculty, delivered a message about self-worth, resilience, and making positive life choices. But while the event was well received by the school community, some have questioned whether Spice is the right person to deliver such a message. Martin, however, did not question the value of the visit.

"I thought the interaction was excellent. She was saying no to drugs, no to early sex, no to whatever else that doesn't put value on you. The message resonated, and the students warmed up to her," he told THE WEEKEND STAR, adding that students embraced her message wholeheartedly.

Spice, given name Grace Hamilton, did not perform, but participated in a panel discussion in which she candidly shared her experiences and thoughts. Martin believes this format made an even greater impact.

"She spoke about the outpouring of love she received from the school in the past, especially after her house got burnt down. She got emotional, and I think that drew the students even closer to her," Martin said.

Despite the backlash and criticism, Martin stands firm in his support of the visit.

"She came to the school as a past student, and I would not want to take that privilege from her. I don't have any regrets, to be honest," he said. He also addressed the criticism that while her message was right, she was the wrong person to deliver it.

"I believe in redemption. Isn't that what the Bible says? I would hope that a pastor is using the same Bible I use," Martin said. "Let's accept the message. I don't look as much on the messenger. But once the message is positive and good, I am for it." He also pointed out that because of Spice's status and relatability, her words likely had a greater impact than they would have been coming from another speaker.

"When we were contacted and heard the message, we saw the benefit in it," Martin explained. "We are grateful that she took the time to come and speak."

On Monday, Waterford High's acting principal, Shaun Simpson, praised Spice for undertaking the effort.

"Spice is an artiste who the students really love, and to see her in a different light, it's a very good look. Grace Hamilton, the mother and role model, gives us the more positive side to her as she encourages and helps people along the way," Simpson told THE WEEKEND STAR.