Students Urged to Think Before Reacting in Anger

Students are being encouraged to consider their actions before reacting in rage or anger and to pursue alternative ways to settle disputes.  

Education and Youth Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, made the appeal today (October 21), while speaking at the Memorial Service for slain Kingston Technical High School student, Michion Campbell, at the Pentecostal Tabernacle on Wildman Street, in Kingston. 

Sixteen-year-old Michion died from injuries she sustained in a dispute with another student on the school’s compound on September 29. 

Condemning the act, which “need not have happened”, Minister Williams offered condolences to the late student’s relatives and school family. 

“I appeal to all our students to think before you react…Even when you are provoked repeatedly, it is best to seek the intervention of the deans of discipline, the guidance counsellors or your teachers,” the Minister urged.  

She highlighted that the Ministry has ramped up its efforts to reach students and to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents, in its newest campaign, ‘Just Medz It’. 

Launched earlier this week, the campaign will complement other programmes introduced by the Ministry over the years to help students look at alternative ways of resolving conflicts. 

“We want to ensure that we continue to speak with you, our students all across Jamaica, to continue to give you the tools to help you to understand the flood of emotions that will overcome you when you are in situations [and] to help you to figure out, in that moment, how to de-escalate the situation in which you find yourself and still maintain your dignity,” Mrs. Williams said. 

The service was attended by students and staff of the institution; Acting Chief Education Officer, Dr. Kasan Troupe; other Ministry officials; political representatives; members of the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF); members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); Veteran entertainers, Carlene Davis and Tommy Cowan; and others. 

Teachers and classmates of Michion delivered touching tributes, all expressing their sadness at losing the former cadet.  

Board Chairman, Francis Reid, in his remarks, affirmed the school’s commitment to continue offering support to the family of the deceased student. He also revealed that the institution is striving towards a scholarship or an award at each year’s graduation, to memorialise young Michion. 

For his part, Principal, Maulton Campbell, hailed the late student for exemplifying the school’s motto, ‘Training and Character’, especially through her membership in the Outreach Club at the institution. This gave her the opportunity to assist in caring for the less fortunate around Central Kingston. 

“Michion Campbell embodied love, discipline and care. Her friends found her a joy to be around, especially the cadets. Surely [her] life and passing must be the beginning for us to learn to love each other and to learn also to resolve disputes in a peaceful way,” the Principal said.