Education Minister Pays Heartfelt Tribute During Service for Late Jessie Ripoll Primary School Principal and Wife

Members of Jessie Ripoll Primary School and the education fraternity gathered at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in downtown Kingston with family members of late Principal, O’Neil Stevens, and wife, Camesha Lindsay-Stevens to pay tribute during Saturday’s (February 8) Thanksgiving Service.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, in a heartfelt tribute, said the entire country felt the tragic loss.

“It is truly with a heavy heart that we gather to pay tribute to the life, legacy and profound impact of Mr. Oneil Stevens and Mrs. Camesha Lindsay-Stevens. Their sudden departure is a tremendous loss to their children, their family, the Jessie Ripoll Primary School community, our education system, their community and all the lives they touched,” she said.

The couple lost their lives in a South Carolina highway crash in the United States in January.

Reflecting on Mr. Stevens’ life and legacy through the memories of several of his colleagues, Senator Morris Dixon said he was a devoted supporter of high standards in education and a mentor to many.

“His zeal for shaping the future of our nation was evident in his work with our students, teachers and the broader school community. He demonstrated that competence, collaborative leadership and a belief in student success are very important criteria for achieving excellent student outcomes. He was committed to his students, he was committed to his work. He was an advocate for accountability in the education system,” she said.

A past student of Kingston College and Mico Teachers’ College (now Mico University College), Mr. Stevens taught social studies at Donald Quarrie High School for a number of years before becoming Principal at Jessie Ripoll Primary seven years ago.

Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Morris Dixon noted, was being among the first Principals to develop descriptors for the Grade 6 Six Guiding Principles of the Teacher Profession Appraisal Instrument.

In 2021, Mr. Stevens was a member of Jamaica’s team contributing to the development of CARICOM Standards for the Teaching Profession, and in 2024 he was one of four Principals invited to attend the UNESCO Conference on Gender Equality and Global Citizenship.

Mr. Stevens was also one of 130 educators honoured during the 2024 LASCO Teacher, TVET Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards.

Minister Morris Dixon pointed out that Mr. Stevens set high leadership standards.

“He was a Principal deeply invested in the well-being of every child, knowing them and their families personally. He [was] a leader with a clear vision for his school, and courage to articulate and implement it. He was a man of optimism who encouraged others to see the brighter side first. He was a humble and kind soul who was passionate about his students and their success,” she emphasised.

Dr. Morris Dixon said equally remarkable was Camesha Lindsay-Stevens, a Financial Advisor at Scotiabank Jamaica, who was a professional in her own right.

“She is remembered for her professionalism and her teamwork. So many spoke of her kindness, her selfless service and also her support of her husband. I truly believe behind every great man is an equally amazing woman,” the Education Minister said.

As a dedicated member of the Jessie Ripoll Welfare Committee, Mrs. Lindsay-Stevens also helped to advance the wellbeing of students and their families while leading and excelling in her own life.

Minister Morris-Dixon noted that, “she stood by and worked with her husband at every juncture, sharing his vision and pouring her heart into the school community.”

“Together, they created an environment where students thrived, parents felt heard, and staff felt empowered to bring out the best in every child. Their love for Jessie Ripoll Primary was deeply felt. They are a great example of the kind of family that we need more of in Jamaica. A strong and present father, a supportive and dedicated mother raising beautiful children and instilling the values of dedication, hard work, service and love of God in their children and family,” she added.

Dr. Morris Dixon extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government of Jamaica to the grieving family.

“May you find comfort in knowing that their legacy of love, leadership and transformation in the education sector will continue to shine through the people they touched. Let us honour and celebrate their lives by committing to the values that they both held dear: excellence, kindness, integrity, humility, and the power of education to transform lives,” she said.