KINGSTON, Jamaica – The LASCO Chin Foundation (LCF) has joined the education fraternity and the wider Jamaican community in mourning the tragic loss of O’Neil Stevens, principal of the Jessie Ripoll Primary School, and his wife, Camesha Lindsay-Stevens.

Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LCF described Stevens as a “determined trailblazer” and “promising educator” whose “contribution to the education system and to his students are forever honoured”.

Stevens, one of 130 educators honoured at the 2024 LASCO Teacher, TVET Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards last month, passed away in the United States on January 3, following a motor vehicle crash despite the efforts of emergency personnel, according to multiple media sources.

The incident has taken two remarkable individuals, Professor Hamilton expressed, making notable mention to his wife, who was front and centre supporting the principal throughout the rigorous interview process conducted by members of the LCF, Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MoEY), and the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) for placement for the award.

On behalf of the foundation, Professor Hamilton extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, their daughters, the Jessie Ripoll Primary School community, his colleagues and all who were blessed to know the extraordinary couple.  “Principal Stevens, who was a two-time finalist in the annual LASCO/MoEY/JTC Teacher, TVET Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards made a great impression from the very first introduction.  We were able to see him not only in a professional light, but also as a family man as his wife and children were present at his interviews and I must say, learning about the tragic incident that led to their demise, is truly heart-breaking,” Professor Hamilton reflected.