O’Neil Stevens, a popular elementary school principal, perished in a car accident on a South Carolina highway, leaving the education industry in shock. The education ministry describes his demise as a “profound loss” to the country.
On January 3, 2025, Stevens, the leader of the Jessie Ripoll Primary in Kingston, and his wife, Camesha Lindsay-Stevens, met with the unfortunate incident as they were getting ready to head back to Jamaica for school on Monday after just finishing their holiday with their two girls.
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Stevens was described as “more than an exemplary leader; he was a beacon of inspiration and dedication” by Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, the minister of education.
She recently stated, “His vision for excellence in education and his steadfast commitment to the holistic development of our students left an indelible mark on the Jessie 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.”
The Roman Catholic institution’s personnel and students will be supported by the ministry’s trauma and grief counseling teams when they return to school on January 7, one day later than scheduled.
Stevens has served as principal for seven years, and his accomplishments have been praised by Marcia Thwaites, chairman of the Jessie Ripoll Primary School Board of Management.
Thwaites stated, “one of the most promising and dedicated young male educators and principal of our school for the past seven years, O’Neil Stevens, proud graduate of Kingston College and The Mico University College, served with mature wisdom, endearing himself to staff, students, parents, and alumni alike. He has contributed greatly to Jessie Ripoll’s deserved reputation as one of the nation’s finest primary schools.”
Thwaites also conveyed his sadness for the Stevens’ two kids, one of whom attends Jessie Ripoll.
The event was seen as a major setback to the education system by Dr. Mark Smith, president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association.
He explained, “This has really been a huge shock to the system. To know this gentleman is to have a profound level of respect for him and the work that he and his team would have done.”
On January 6, the school will host a meeting of friends, ministry representatives, teachers, and school board members.
According to early accounts released by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston Kenneth Richards, the event occurred on a highway when the Stevens were allegedly attending to an issue with their vehicle, however, official specifics are yet scarce.
He mentioned that the family was getting ready to return home, “The car was giving problem and they stopped on the highway, pulled off to the side. The wife came out after her husband came out, and a car just ran into them.”
According to him, the church is taking action to help the school community and families. Richard stated, “Every time I think about it, it unnerves me to think that such tragedy could take place.”
Marsha Moodie-Benbow, the vice principal, asked everyone to “keep their daughters and the family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this period of unimaginable grief” as she broke the news to the staff today.
