PNP Expresses Grief Over the Tragic Death of Amari Coley and Calls for Community Action

Kingston, Jamaica. November 21, 2024: The People’s National Party (PNP) is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking death of Amari Coley, an eleven-year-old student whose life was senselessly cut short in a moment of rage. We extend our sincerest condolences to Amari’s family and all who mourn his loss.

This tragedy is a devastating loss for Amari’s family and community, but it also brings to light the challenges faced by the young girl involved in this act. Both lives are now forever changed by this event: one lost and the other facing an uncertain future.

Amari’s story is one of resilience and promise. His principal’s reflections on his progress in both behaviour and academics remind us of the potential he possessed and the positive role his school played in his development. This makes his loss all the more heartbreaking.

At the same time, the circumstances of the other child highlight the pressing need to address the root causes of violence among youth, particularly the emotional and psychological factors that can lead to such tragic outcomes.

Dr Kenneth Russell, Deputy Spokesman on Education and Community Development, is calling on the country to do more to address violence in and around schools. “As a society, we must collectively create an environment where our children can thrive. Disagreements must be resolved without violence, mental health and emotional well-being must be prioritised, and schools and communities must work together to provide safe spaces for learning, growth, and connection.”

We again urge the Ministry of Education to engage parents and all stakeholders to:

1. Implement and strengthen conflict resolution and peer mediation programs in schools.

2. Expand mental health and counselling services in schools.

3. Enhance the surveillance of public spaces frequented by students, ensuring their safety while travelling to and from school.

4. To the educators and students at Amari’s school, we stand with you in this time of grief. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the need for community-wide action to protect and nurture all children—those who excel, those who are struggling, and those who may be at risk.

Let us honour Amari’s memory by working diligently to create a more compassionate and supportive society for every child. Our thoughts remain with Amari’s family, friends, and teachers, and we also hope for care and rehabilitation for the young girl whose life has been profoundly impacted by this incident.