Clare Browne (left), Daryll Matthew (right)
On Monday, senior officials from the Ministry of Education, including Minister Daryll Matthew and Director of Education Clare Browne, visited Five Islands Primary School to offer support to the students and staff.
This visit came in the wake of the tragic abduction and homicide of 9-year-old Chantel Crump, a former student at the school.
After being reported missing on Wednesday, her body was discovered at Weatherills Friday night.
Understanding that the atmosphere at the school would not be the same for the first full day of classes following this tragedy, Director Browne felt it was essential to be present.
“I wanted to share in the grief and extend the ministry’s full support to the staff and students. While the minister had to leave early, I stayed for most of the morning. It felt as though a heavy cloud hung over the school,” Browne reflected.
During his visit, Browne moved through the classrooms, starting with the Grade 4 class where Chantel used to learn.
Entering the room, he noticed an empty desk at the center, adorned with a flower, which struck a deep chord within him.
“Seeing that desk filled me with an overwhelming sense of loss, a feeling mirrored by many at Five Islands Primary that day. Someone vital was absent—Chantel was missed by everyone,” he remarked.
Recognizing the need for additional support, the ministry has deployed 14 counselors to the school, working in pairs to provide comfort and assistance to both students and staff as they mourn the tragic loss of one of their own. for the students.
Good on their part. Reminds me of the case with little girl that was killed at Botanical Gardens. That too was a tragic day. Unforgettable
Yes I remember that day. That murderer was never caught
The support should be ongoing. This is the second one of their school mates that they lost in less then a year.
Where is Kemba