Classes suspended at Cornwall College following Spanish teacher's death

Students, teachers and ancillary staff at Cornwall College in St James are now in mourning following the death of, Kamika Warren, a senior Spanish teacher and head of her department.

Warren, who was 41 years old, died while being treated at hospital on Sunday.

Classes were suspended on Monday while grief counselling was provided for the academic and ancillary staff inside the school's chapel, led by guidance counsellors and supported by the Ministry of Education and Youth's trauma team.

The students are to return to school tomorrow where they will be provided with grief counselling.

Lecia Allen, vice principal at the all-boys institution, says Warren was a special individual who loved her students, especially those she taught Spanish.

“I knew her from her time at Mt Alvernia High School, she taught my daughter, so when she joined the staff here it was just a natural transition,” said Allen in a reflection on Warren's colourful journey.

“Ms Warren was special, and was never afraid to share her perspectives,” she said of  Warren who was admitted on Saturday at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay after complaining of difficulty breathing.

Meanwhile, Norman Allen, Western Regional Officer at the Jamaica Teachers' Association in seeking to comfort the grieving educators and ancillary staff encouraged them to heed the warning to focus on their health.

“As teachers, we often put everyone and everything at the forefront, even at times when we are hurting. But I want us to recognise that the best thing that we can do for others is to take care of ourselves,” said Allen.

The JTA regional officer also promised to assist Warren's family with funeral arrangements.

- Albert Ferguson

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