KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has commended five secondary students for their heroic actions in seeking medical attention for their severely injured schoolmates, enlisting them as ‘Ambassadors for Good.’
The youngsters – Leon Barnes, Khari Green, Garry Bartley, Daejuan Gordon, and Dejaun Powell – were each presented with a laptop and a certificate of official commendation at a ceremony held at Jamaica House “in recognition of exemplary and selfless action performed on behalf of Jaheim Coleman, a fellow student at the B.B. Coke High School on Thursday, 28th September 2023”.
Holness told the ceremony, “It is not often that we see the kind of response that we saw with the young men from B.B. Coke and how they assisted their fellow student, Jaheim.
“The level of social dissonance that we see, particularly in our schools, particularly with the use of violence, can sometimes lead us to believe that the value base of the society is eroded.
“What we saw being displayed is a reaffirmation that the core of our society is still good and that there are young people in our society, without prompting, who will act in the interest of their fellowmen,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the students acted as good Samaritans and their deeds must be acknowledged, praised and encouraged.
“Jaheim’s survival today could be tied to the actions of these young men. In acknowledging it, we also give tokens that they can have to [recall] this moment and to enlist them as Ambassadors for Good and Ambassadors of Positive Behaviour,” Holness said.
The students expressed their appreciation for the laptops.
Education and Youth Minister Fayval Williams said she had visited the hospitalized student several times. They commended the Ministry of Health and Wellness for the swift action and quality of care.
“Up to Sunday afternoon, we were there (at the hospital) with his mother, uncle, aunt, brother, and other relatives,” she said, noting that when she last saw Jaheim, he could sit up in a chair.
“He indicated that he was feeling well and that, most importantly, he had already forgiven the other student who caused him to be in the hospital,” Mrs. Williams said.
Meanwhile, Board Chairman Cetany Holness praised the students for their actions.
“No vehicle was available at the time [of the incident], and they took him up in their hands and took him to the doctor. As chairman of the institution, I commend them highly for what they have done,” Holness said.
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