News
JAM | Jan 5, 2025

Education Ministry mourns passing of Jesse Ripoll Primary principal and wife

/ Our Today

administrator
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, speaking during a post-Cabine press briefing at Jamaica House in July 2023. (Photo: JIS)

The Ministry of Education sasy it is deeply saddened by the deaths of O’Neil Stevens, principal of Jesse Ripoll Primary School, and his wife, Mrs Camesha Lindsay-Stevens, following a fatal motor vehicle accident overseas on January 3.

The ministry in a statement, added that despite the best efforts of emergency personnel, the couple succumbed to their injuries.

Portfolio minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Ministry to the family and friends of the Stevens, as well as to the entire Jesse Ripoll Primary School community.

“The news of Mr Stevens’ untimely passing is a profound loss to the education fraternity and the nation. He was more than an exemplary leader; he was a beacon of inspiration and dedication. His vision for excellence in education and his steadfast commitment to the holistic development of our students left an indelible mark on the Jesse Ripoll Primary School community. Alongside him, Mrs Stevens was a supportive partner and a cherished presence to the extended school family, always contributing with grace and generosity. On behalf of the ministry, I express our deepest condolences to the Stevens family, friends, and the Jesse Ripoll school family. This is a tragic start to the new Easter school term, and our hearts are heavy with grief.”

Late Jesse Ripoll Primary principal O’Neil Stephens. (Photo: Instagram @jessie.ripoll.primary)

Meanwhile, trauma and grief counselling teams have been activated by the ministry to provide immediate support to the students and staff of Jesse Ripoll Primary, based on Camp Road in St Andrew.

The teams will be available on the school premises starting Monday, January 6.

READ: Jesse Ripoll Primary to cancel Monday classes after deaths of principal and wife

Comments

What To Read Next

News JAM Apr 14, 2026

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe National Water Commission (NWC) is advising customers in sections of Salt Marsh in Trelawny that restoration works on the affected pipeline network are progressing steadily following damage sustained during recent weather events.

The Commission notes that concerns regarding the integrity of sections of the pipeline were identified prior to the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Subsequent post-event assessments confirmed that approximately 3 kilometres of pipeline infrastructure were significantly impacted, necessitating extensive rehabilitation works. It is worth noting that while the substantial part of Martha Brae- Salt Marsh area has been restored, more time and resources is necessary to restore pockets of the network such as this one.

News JAM Apr 14, 2026

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says restrictions on firearms at entertainment venues will soon be implemented as part of measures to strengthen public safety, following a shooting incident at a post-Carnival event in St Andrew on Sunday night.

Three people were shot and injured during the Big Wall Revolution event at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, including popular podcaster Jhaedee Richards, also known as “Jaii Frais”, a United States citizen and a member of dancehall artist 450’s entourage.