‘We have lost a future scientist’ - William Knibb High student gets emotional send-off

Family, friends, and community members gathered on Saturday at the Falmouth First Assembly Church to celebrate the life of 15-year-old Jahmarie Reid, a William Knibb High student who tragically lost his life at sea on August 27 in what is believed to have been a shark attack.

Reid, remembered for his courage and kindness, was deeply passionate about the sea, and and dreamt of one day becoming a marine biologist. Desrean Gobern, who taught Reid at Refuge Primary, shared a heartfelt tribute, highlighting his character.

"He was respectful with classmates and teachers alike. He had a very special bond with his grandmother, Pauline Reid. Pauline would attend every parent-teacher meeting, and Reid loved her so much that he'd often scold her for making the difficult trip. 'You know yuh foot nuh good,' he would say. 'Why can't you sit down and rest your bad foot?'"

Gobern fondly recalled Reid's artistic side and his love for creating and fixing things. "Jahmarie would look out the window and create a masterpiece in his mind. He would even break things just for the chance to fix them," she laughed, remembering his inventive spirit.

Reid, a grade-10 student, left home and went fishing at the sea alone on August 26 but did not return home on that day. The next day, fishermen found his body with what appeared to be shark bites. The head and left hand were also bitten off.

On Saturday, Lisa Wray and Devon Smythe struggled with grief as they delivered the remembrance.

"I remember my nephew as a mannerly youth, always respectful. If he was sitting at the front of his father's bus and they stopped to pick up a lady, he'd be up and out to give her his seat before the bus even came to a halt," Wray recalled tearfully.

Smythe spoke of Reid's deep love for the sea, a passion inherited from his grandfathers, who were both fishermen.

"He was always in love with the ocean, starting to swim at an early age. His father got him a hook and line, and he'd fish from the rocks at Duncans Bay. It was no surprise to anyone when he graduated to spearfishing. Little did we know that he would meet his fate at sea, and at such a young age. Jahmarie dreamed of becoming a marine biologist--his love for the sea was that strong. We have lost a future scientist," Smythe said.

Bishop Anthony Steele, delivering the sermon, reminded the mourners of life's uncertainties.

"Some, like Jahmarie, will pass young; others will grow old. Death is certain, no matter our age. We must be prepared for life in eternity. Live today with an eye toward the future, and be ready for life with the Lord."