Dear Editor,

At Jamaica College in 1965 all teachers had to do homework duties with boarders. I would go home and return to do duties from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

One student, Michael Cooper, would walk with me to the school gate, watch me cross over Old Hope Road, then I would walk to my house at number 160. Cooper would hurry back to his dorm.

When I heard of his death I thought of the young fourth-former who I forgot to thank for walking with me and offering protection.

One day, later in life, Cooper came to my school, The Liguanea School, and introduced two of his sons. He walked with me and we talked for two hours. He was pleased that at the end of their stay they benefited from the programme that was offered to them.

Cooper walked with me, talked with me, and advised me regarding the future of my first son. He determined that my son should be trained and given a proper certificate if he was going to continue in music. He handled my son’s registration in the music department at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

I remain grateful for the valuable hours Michael “Ibo” Cooper spent with me.

V Blake Carnegie

veronica_carnegie@cwjamaica.com