NEGRIL, Hanover — Having lost close family members while studying for their examinations last year it was a bittersweet moment for two outstanding students in St James recently when they were recognised among more than 60 children for their excellent performances in those exams.

The two — top PEP achiever Garvin Plummer and top CSEC achiever Devonté Walker — were among 62 children awarded for their excellent performances in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP), Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) exams for 2024.

The boys currently attend Herbert Morrison Technical High School in the parish.

The awards and recognition ceremony, held at Royalton Resort in Negril, Hanover, on Friday, was made possible by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and its Poor Relief Department Board of Supervision. They also awarded 16 scholarships.

In April 2024 Garvin lost his elder brother — 15-year-old Raniel Plummer — who was fatally stabbed by his Irwin High School classmate. Garvin was attending the nearby Irwin Primary School at the time of his brother’s death.

Garvin’s mother, Stacy Ann Dunkley, noted that while her brilliant son is receiving counselling, he has become a bit of an introvert since his brother’s death.

“After losing his brother, he doesn’t talk a lot. He kind of don’t love people — crowds and stuff like that. But, [besides] that, he still does his schoolwork,” Dunkley told the Jamaica Observer in an interview.

She said she is proud of her 12-year-old son for doing so well, despite losing his brother.

“He has done well from primary school, where he got top boy, valedictorian, and he did very well in his subjects. And [now], it is another milestone that he got awarded again for his hard work,” said Dunkley.

“I am proud of him and feel wonderfully blessed to have a son like Garvin. Garvin is very quiet. He doesn’t talk a lot and it is like he has a computer brain. If you show him something one time, he will never forget,” added the mother, who thanked everyone for their support.

Garvin got a score of 96.6 per cent in PEP and is elated about the achievement.

“I feel very happy and joyful,” said Garvin, who turned to his mother and added, “I am very thankful and happy for my mother who allows me to get my high grade.”

He said that the loss of his brother made him sad and depressed for days. However, he believes he is overcoming the setback.

The child, who wants to become a business owner and a scientist, encouraged his peers.

“I would tell them to keep on trying, no matter how much you fail. It is just a way for you to grow. So, keep on trying and eventually you will succeed,” said Garwin.

His schoolmate, 17-year-old Devonté, told the Sunday Observer that the award he got means a lot to him.

“I am very elated and thankful for this award, which means so much to me and goes as materialistic proof to show that my hard work has paid off and has not gone in vain,” he said while thanking the organisers for the recognition, which he said is encouragement for him.

Devonté received seven grade ones in CSEC subjects mathematics, English language, biology, physics, chemistry, technical drawing, and information technology, as well as a grade two in geography.

But it was a challenging feat for the youngster as he’d lost his mother when he started grade 11.

“I had to struggle with trying to focus on my schoolwork and not getting sidetracked, even though I felt like I needed a break from it. So, I am proud that under all that emotional stress I was still able to achieve such scores,” he said.

Devonté is encouraging his peers to put God first, believe in themselves, and they’ll be able to achieve their goals.

“Never say you can’t. Never follow someone else. Follow your own dreams. Choose something that makes you happy. Once it makes you happy and you are passionate about it, nothing and no one can stop you from achieving it,” the teenager urged.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie, in his address at the function, congratulated the awardees, the Poor Relief Department, and the municipalities across the island.

“I want you to understand that there are many great men and women who have achieved success and lose it overnight. When you reach that destination don’t throw it away, because opportunity comes [only] once. Don’t blame anybody. If you throw it away, blame yourselves,” McKenzie encouraged the awardees.

He also commended the parents and guardians for supporting their children.

“You know, one of the good things about it [is that] you are not ashamed to talk to your pickney them, to tell them exactly what you are up against and why you had to do the things to make your life better,” stated McKenzie.

Among the aims of the awards and recognition ceremony on Friday is to transform the model of human services development by improving the lives of the most vulnerable.