The Camp Road-based Jesse Ripoll Primary in St Andrew has moved to suspend classes for Monday (January 6) as the school comes to terms with the deaths of principal O’Neil Stevens and his wife Camesha Lindsay-Stevens.

In confirming the double death, vice-principal Marsha Moodie-Benbow said students would return to school on Tuesday. Several resources, including counselling, will be dispatched by the Ministry of Education, a statement read from the school’s official Instagram account.

The Stevens succumbed to injuries they sustained during a January 3 motor vehicle collision in California. Our Today understands that both daughters and their maternal grandmother were also in the vehicle at the time of the crash and remain hospitalised.

The late principal had been head administrator since March 2018.

Stevens, who held Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of the West Indies (UWI), was a finalist in the Lasco/MOEYI/JTC Principal of the Year awards.

“Mr. Stevens was more than an exemplary leader; he was a beacon of inspiration, and dedication. His vision for excellence in education and his unwavering commitment to the holistic development of our students left an indelible mark on our school community. Alongside him, Mrs. Stevens was a supportive partner and a cherished presence in our extended school family, always contributing with grace and generosity,” Moodie-Benbow said of the couple.

READ FULL STATEMENT:

“The Board of Management,

Teachers, Staff, Parents, and Students,

Jessie Ripoll Primary School,

Kingston, Jamaica.

Dear Members of the Jessie Ripoll Primary School Community,

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I write to inform you of the tragic passing of our beloved Principal, Mr. O’neil Stevens, and his wife, Mrs. Camesha Lindsay-Stevens. They were involved in a fatal accident on January 3, 2025 and despite the efforts of emergency personnel, their lives were sadly lost.

Mr. Stevens was more than an exemplary leader; he was a beacon of inspiration, and dedication. His vision for excellence in education and his unwavering commitment to the holistic development of our students left an indelible mark on our school community. Alongside him, Mrs. Stevens was a supportive partner and a cherished presence in our extended school family, always contributing with grace and generosity.

We know this news will deeply affect all of us – students, parents, teachers, and staff alike. During this challenging time, we encourage everyone to lean on one another for support. The ministry will be providing support as well as Counsellors will be made available at the school to provide guidance and comfort to those in need.

As we come to terms with this loss, let us honour their memory by continuing to uphold the values and principles they championed.

Please keep their daughters and the family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this period of unimaginable grief.

If you need additional support, do not hesitate to reach out to the school’s administration.

May we all find strength in unity as we navigate this heartbreaking time together.

Yours in sorrow,

Marsha Moodie-Benbow

Vice Principal

NB. There will be no school for students on Monday, January 6, 2025.

They return on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.”