Attack on student shocks JC's principal

Reeves

FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD Jamaica College student Davian Myrie, remained in a stable condition at the University Hospital of the West Indies yesterday after undergoing emergency surgery to repair his intestines. His vital organs remained intact.

"It's a total shock what has happened. An incredible shock to hear that one of our students was the victim of a life-threatening incident," stated principal Stuart Reeves.

"It is ugly and unfortunate that outside elements choose to demonstrate what's happening in society by attacking youngsters whom we have taught to stay away from that kind of behaviour," he said.

Reeves said the entire student body, staff and community were concerned but he was hoping that they would benefit from the support system the school has in place. "All we can do right now is ensure that the students know what's expected of them and continue to uphold the values we have instilled in them. There is a support team in place but more importantly right now is we're hoping that Davian will pull through. We're ensuring that he's getting the best care and attention".

The principal made a public plea for the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), the body responsible for running school-based competitions, to beef up security.

Myrie's intestines were damaged from a stab wound he received during Tuesday's Pepsi/Sports Plus-sponsored Manning Cup schoolboy football competition between Jamaica College and Norman Manley at the Barbican playfield.

The youngster was reportedly held up by four youth wearing green shirts and khaki pants, the uniform worn by Norman Manley High students on the morning shift.

An eyewitness to the incident said the boys approached Myrie and demanded money. Realising the seriousness of the situation, Myrie obliged by handing over his wallet but one of his assailants had other plans and pushed a knife into his side causing his intestines to spill out in full view of other spectators.

Jamaica College won the match, beating the defending champions 2-1 but celebrations were marred by what Reeves terms ugly behaviour.

"The good behaviour of our children is not enough to stop such vicious attacks. ISSA needs to ensure that there is adequate security so that the well-being of everyone at games is taken care of," Reeves said.

The school has in recent times been hit with a string of tragedies.

One student was recently released from hospital after being hit by a motorcar while crossing the pedestrian crossing in front of the school. He had suffered head injuries. Another youth, national junior cyclist Ricardo Lynch, was hit off his bicycle by a motorcar on Maxfield Avenue a few months ago.

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