Central High tries to cope with student's death

Christine Hastings-Lumsden, vice-principal of Central High in Clarendon, said the performance of the school's choir in All Together Sing competition has helped to remove some of the gloom associated with the sudden death of Leroy Hamilton.

Hamilton, 14, perished in a fire at his home in Stewarton Gully, Mocho, Clarendon, last week. The fire was allegedly set by his sister's former boyfriend, Craig Lawrence, who also chopped her and their mother. Rosalee Campbell, 24, Leroy's sister, succumbed to her injuries last Friday. Their 53-year-old mother remains hospitalised.

"What helped for us to overcome this sadness is the All Together Sing choir," Hastings-Lumsden said.

TVJ's All Together Sing is Jamaica's premier high school choir competition. Choirs compete each week for the chance to proclaim itself Jamaica's best high school choir.

"The All Together Sing competition has removed some of the sadness because we have been doing well," the vice-principal said of her school, which has made it to the Super Seven round.

Hastings-Lumsden said students and staff have received grief counselling, which is aimed at helping them to come.

"We have tried our best to help settle the class and the students of his grade. We have been visited by several guidance counsellors from around the area and neighbouring schools as well as pastors who came and encouraged the children through counselling and prayer," she said.

She described Hamilton as a reserved student, adding that it was very shocking to learn of his untimely death.

"It is really hard since last week, especially because of the way he died. We crave for more prayers for the community and hope that God will change the hearts of the people," she said.