Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon says the ministry is deeply saddened by the death of a student of Ocho Rios High School in St Ann after a brawl involving another student at the institution on Wednesday (March 4).

In a statement on Thursday, she called the death a devastating loss for the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers and the wider school community.

The ministry extended condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that the government will provide support during this period of grief.

“Every child who leaves home for school should return safely. We mourn this heartbreaking loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family and the entire Ocho Rios High School community. Today’s tragedy reminds us that we must strengthen the culture of peace in our schools and surround every child with the care, support and guidance they need,” explained Morris Dixon.

A team from the ministry will be dispatched to provide grief and trauma counselling to students, staff and parents. Additional psychosocial support will remain available in the coming days to help the school community cope.

In the meantime, the ministry says it is focused on supporting the family and ensuring the safety and emotional well-being of students and staff.

The education ministry further extended an appeal “to all students, parents and community members to reject violence in every form and to reinforce respect, conflict resolution and responsible decision-making at home and at school”.