Exams suspended at Irwin High as school mourns tragic death of student
—Transport minister devastated by student’s passing
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Exams now taking place at Irwin High School in St James have been suspended following the tragic death of grade seven student, Deanna Solomon.
Solomon succumbed Wednesday night to injuries she sustained when a bus mowed her down earlier in the day outside the gates of the institution.
READ: Irwin High School student mowed down
Board chairman of the school, Nevin Nish, shared the steps that have been taken as the institution tries to cope with the tragic circumstances.
“Exams are suspended as the atmosphere is overwhelming at this difficult time,” he revealed on Thursday.
He further disclosed what has been happening at the school since the news broke.
“The entire school community is in deep shock and mourning as we face this devastating loss of one of our very promising grade seven students, Deanna Solomon,” he said.
The school is still recovering from the loss of young Raneil Plummer who was stabbed to death outside the gates of the institution earlier this year.
READ: Irwin High student dies from stab wound after attack by schoolmates
“We ask for continued prayers and support in this another turbulent time for our school’s mental strength,” Nish added.
He further stated that the school is providing support for the girl’s family.
“The school stands with the parents as we pray for comfort for the family. Words cannot express the grueling grief and pain they have to endure at this time,” he stated.
Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz says he is devastated by the news of Solomon’s passing.
“No words can fully capture the pain of such a tragedy,” Minister Vaz said in a statement on Thursday.
“This heart-breaking tragedy is extremely devastating. I am truly saddened by this traumatic incident, and my deepest sympathies go out to the affected families. As a parent, I can only imagine how painful this must be,” he added.
He informed that the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information will be sending a team to the Irwin High School on Thursday to provide grief counselling to the school community. The Montego Bay Metro staff will also receive counselling services from the Western Regional Health Authority.
Vaz went on to appeal to the public to be compassionate and respectful for the grieving family and the Irwin High School community by refraining from sharing videos or images of the accident.
“The circulation of graphic content amplifies the pain of those directly impacted and deeply violates the privacy and dignity of the deceased. I implore all citizens to be mindful of the harm that such actions can cause during this difficult time,” Vaz said.
He added that the Government is committed to providing support to the students and staff of Irwin High and will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.