WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The Little London Primary and Infant School family in Westmoreland has been plunged into mourning following the tragic murder of 39-year-old teacher Andre James at his Belmont home, just three weeks ahead of the start of the new academic year.

James’s body was found in his room with multiple stab wounds to the upper body by a relative around noon on Sunday.

“To commence the start of this term without a teacher is going to put a lot of pressure on the system, especially losing a key member like Mr James,” stated School Board Chairman Ian Myles, as he reflected on the loss of its principal almost two years ago.

Shirlet Craig-Davis, died on Saturday, August 31, 2024, in a hospital after being admitted following a motor vehicle crash that occurred two weeks prior to the start of the school year.

“Here it is just a year or two years basically, we have lost another key teacher,” stated the school board chairman.

Myles, who is also the Councillor for the Little London Division (Jamaica Labour Party), remembered James as an exceptional educator who taught at both the infant and primary levels, forging an incredible bond with his students.

“The bond that he forged with those students is just incredible,” shared Myles, an educator himself.

Beyond the classroom, James was heavily involved in school life. He coordinated infant graduations, coached the netball team, engaged in fundraising, and served as the staff representative and secretary on the school’s board of governors.

“He’s one of those teachers who goes beyond the call of duty to ensure that the holistic development of the student is done in a comprehensive way,” stated Myles in an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Monday, adding, “He’s one who I know and work with personally as the chairman of the board. He will be sadly and deeply missed.”

James had served the institution for nine years and Myles noted that following exceptional results at the primary level [where he taught] last year, discussions were underway to transition him to primary classes permanently. However, James remained deeply fond of his roots in the infant department.

“He chuckled and said that he doesn’t want to leave the infant department altogether because he just loved working with the little ones,” said Myles, adding that James never shied away from responsibility.

“Teachers like these, as consummate professionals, are what we need in the education system at this time,” remarked Myles, adding, “Come September morning, it’s a big, big, big void to be filled.”

Over the years, James has taught across all the subject areas at the infant level and social studies and language arts at the Grade 5 level within the primary department.

— Anthony Lewis