Jamaican PM honors high school students who help saved schoolmate's life

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has commended five students of B.B. Coke High School in Junction, St. Elizabeth, who helped to seek medical attention for their schoolmate who was severely injured on the school campus last week.

On Thursday, Sept. 28, eight-grader Jaheim Colman, 14, was beaten unconscious by a grade 11 student for allegedly stepping on his Clarks shoes.

In a video that later went viral on social media, a group of five boys from the school were seen transporting an unconscious Colman via foot to the nearest medical facility. It was reported that the students could not get public transportation to assit them at the time of the incident.

The five boys, who met with Prime Minister Holness at Jamaica House on October 3, were hailed 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.

“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 totally 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.

He noted 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 this moment and to enlist them as Ambassadors for Good and Ambassadors of Positive Behaviour,” the Prime Minister added.

In response, Garry said he was grateful to meet the Prime Minister, adding that the gift of a laptop is one he will always remember.

Khari also expressed gratitude for the laptop presented to him, noting that he will be giving his used device to his sister.

Meanwhile, the school's board chairman, Cetany Holness, praised the students for their actions.

“No vehicle was available at the time 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,” Mr. Holness said.

Colman still in hospital

Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams, who shared that she has visited the hospitalized student several times, commended the Ministry of Health and Wellness for the swift action taken and the quality of care being provided.

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“Up to Sunday afternoon, we were there with his mother, uncle, his aunt, his brother and other relatives, ” she said, noting that when she last saw Jaheim, he was able to 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.

Colman remains in the hospital as of October 4.

In the meantime, a grade 11 student was arrested on reasonable suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident. He was later granted bail at $300,000.

Other persons are being interviewed and formal charges are expected to be laid thereafter, according to the police.