Bradford Prep mourns death of past student

Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

BUFF BAY, Portland:

Students and teachers of Bradford Preparatory School in Buff Bay, Portland, are still mourning the death of a former pupil, whose body was found by emergency workers in his family's Homeland Court house at Brampton in Canada.

Ten-year-old student, Shakiel Booth, who migrated from Jamaica to Canada in 2009, was found on May 27 without vital signs. He was declared deceased a short time later, and his 31-year-old father, Garfield Boothe, has since been charged with second-degree murder.

"I was shocked by the news and the turn of events," said Jennifer Silvera, a teacher at Bradford Preparatory, who taught Shakiel at the school.

"He was such a well-mannered child, who spoke very little, but he was warm and friendly. We are still trying to come to grips with his untimely passing, and for us it is a rather painful ordeal. He didn't deserve to die like that."

shock waves

The death of the boy has sent shock waves throughout the town of Buff Bay and other adjoining communities, where residents still remember the smiling face of the 10-year-old.

Shakiel's maternal grandmother, 55-year-old May Palmer, a resident of Black Hill in Portland, struggled for words as she spoke with The Gleaner yesterday.

"I just don't know what to say," she said tearfully. "It is a big loss for me, and I just know it is not going to be easy picking up the pieces. He is gone, but not forgotten. He was my pride and joy, and I just don't know how to cope at this time."

Shakiel's mother was off the island.

Palmer, who vends at Buff Bay Primary School, a stone's throw away from Bradford Preparatory, has not returned to the school gate to continue her livelihood since Shakiel's passing.

Students at Bradford Preparatory, including Tajay Dallas, a close friend of the deceased, are also saddened by the passing of their classmate.

"I will not forget Shakiel," said Dallas. "He was my best friend, and I still remember the days when we used to run together and play football. I just wish the whole thing was a dream. Shakiel, I love you very much."