Little London Primary and Infant School plunged into mourning again

The Little London Primary and Infant School community in Westmoreland, Jamaica, is grappling with profound grief following the brutal murder of 39-year-old teacher Andre James. His body was discovered in his Belmont home on Sunday with multiple stab wounds, casting a shadow over the upcoming academic year, which was set to begin in just three weeks.

“

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.

This tragedy compounds the school's sorrow, as it comes less than two years after the passing of its principal, Shirlet Craig-Davis. She died on August 31, 2024, after a motor vehicle accident two weeks earlier. School Board Chairman Ian Myles expressed the immense pressure this loss places on the educational system, especially the departure of such a vital staff member.

“

Here it is just a year or two years basically, we have lost another key teacher.

Myles, who also serves as the Councillor for the Little London Division, lauded James as an outstanding educator. James taught at both the infant and primary levels, cultivating an "incredible bond" with his students. His commitment extended far beyond the classroom; he was instrumental in coordinating infant graduations, coaching the netball team, spearheading fundraising efforts, and serving as the staff representative and secretary on the school's board of governors.

“

The bond that he forged with those students is just incredible.

"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," Myles stated in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. He described James as a consummate professional whose absence will create a "big, big, big void" come September. James, who had served the institution for nine years, was reportedly being considered for a permanent transition to primary classes due to exceptional results, though he remained deeply attached to the infant department and his young students.

“

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.