JAAA, JCA join GC Foster in mourning after killing of vice principal

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) have both reacted with shock at yesterday’s shooting death of Gibbs Williams, a vice principal at the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education & Sports.

In a release yesterday, the JAAA said: “It is with heavy hearts that the JAAA extends our deepest condolences to the staff, students, and members of the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education & Sport community, on the tragic and untimely passing of Mr Gibbs Williams, the vice principal of G.C. Foster College. The news of his sudden demise in Portmore, St Catherine, has left us all in shock and sorrow.”

The release added: “Mr Williams was not just a dedicated educator but also a pillar of strength within your institution. His unwavering commitment to the betterment of students, his tireless efforts in promoting physical education and sports, and his genuine care for the welfare of the school community were truly remarkable.

“In times like these, it is difficult to find words that adequately express the depth of our sympathy. We share in your grief and stand by your side as you mourn this profound loss. Mr Williams’ contributions to the college and the lives he touched will be remembered with great respect and fondness.”

The JCA, in a statement released by Chief Executive Officer Courtney Francis, also expressed regret at the death of Williams.

“It is with unspeakable sorrow that the Jamaica Cricket Association advises of the tragic passing of Gibbs Williams. He served us both as a manager and fitness trainer. May his soul rest in peace,” the JCA statement said.

The G.C. Foster College of Physical Education & Sports was plunged into mourning yesterday afternoon as reports of the shooting death of vice principal Williams reached the Spanish Town-based institution.

Williams, popularly known as ‘Gibbo’, vice principal of academic affairs at the sports college, was shot and killed in Portmore.

A top cricket coach, Williams has been a part of the national senior and junior programmes for many years. He recently returned from Sri Lanka with the West Indies Under-19 cricket team where he was team manager and was set to return to that country in January in the same capacity at the ICC Under-19 World Cup.

When Principal Maurice Wilson was contacted yesterday he was too distraught to speak and instead asked vice principal of administrative affairs, Paul Beckford, to respond to queries.

“When we heard the news about the killing of Williams, we were hoping that this was not true as we were in denial and found it hard to accept,” said Beckford. “The entire college community is saddened by this news as Williams was well respected. At this moment, the chaplain is meeting with staff members,” he added.

According to Beckford ,Williams had gone to a medical complex in Portmore to purchase medication for his eyes. “We were told that as he exited the building, a lone gunman shot him from behind and the shot pierced his back and came through his chest and he tried to run back into the building but it was too late and he was rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital.”

Williams was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital.

“According to the police, they are ruling out robbery as a motive for the killing as everything he had on him was still on his person,” Beckford said.

Williams was appointed vice principal three years ago. He had started lecturing at the institution in 2010.