Jessie Ripoll staff gets grief support from Education Ministry

The Ministry of Education said its trauma and grief counselling teams will remain engaged with Jessie Ripoll Primary School as the school community navigates the tragic loss of its principal O'Neil Stevens and his wife. 

Stevens and his wife, Camesha Lindsay-Stevens, died in a motor vehicle crash on a highway in the United States on Friday. 

The couple and their two daughters were on their way to the airport to board a flight back to Jamaica after spending the Christmas holidays in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  

On Monday, the Minister of Education, Dr Dana Morris Dixon, and the Ministry's Chief Executive Officer were among a team of guidance counsellors, principals and other stakeholders that visited the school to provide support to its staff. 

The day started with professional grief counselling sessions, which were followed by a prayer meeting conducted by pastors and others from the Roman Catholic Church community. 

When students return to school tomorrow, the Ministry said it will focus on supporting their emotional needs and providing resources to help them process their grief. 

"The loss of Mr Stevens and his wife is a profound tragedy that has deeply affected everyone at Jessie Ripoll and beyond. The support from the public indicates that he was an exceptional leader,” Morris Dixon said. 

"We will continue to honour Mr Stevens' legacy as a compassionate and dedicated leader who touched countless lives. Today, the Ministry ensured that staff received the care and resources they need to cope, and tomorrow, we will turn our focus to supporting the students. The Ministry will stand with this school community, providing ongoing support, and helping everyone to heal together,” she added.

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