Rasbert Turner & Petrina Francis, Gleaner Writers

Schoolmates of Johnor 'Odane' Dinnal of Braeton Primary and Junior High School in St. Catherine console each other after he was stabbed to death yesterday morning by another student on the school compound. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Two days after Johnor 'Odane' Dinnal told his father that he did not feel like going to school, the family is now mourning his death after he was stabbed by a schoolmate yesterday.

"A Monday 'im tell me seh 'im nuh feel like guh to school, an' mi ask him why, but him didn't tell me, an' a guess a will neva know, as he is now dead," remarked a weeping Milverton Dinnal, Odane's father.

The sad tale unfolded at the Braeton Primary and Junior High School in Portmore, at approximately 10 a.m., during a school break.

It is alleged that Odane, 15 years old, and a 14-year-old boy had a dispute, during which he was held and stabbed repeatedly in the abdomen. By the time he was rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital the young boy was dead.

The perpetrator has since been arrested by the police.

Distraught

When The Gleaner visited the school yesterday several teachers said that they, along with the students, some of whom fainted, were distraught.

The blood trail running for several metres along the corridor left a telltale sign about what occurred. Mark Jackson, Odane's teacher, was almost moved to tears when he spoke of the late 15-year-old.

"He was a good student, one that I could not say was disrespectful," Mr. Jackson said. "We at the school are yet to come to grips with the gruesome killing of a quiet child who gave no trouble."

In the aftermath of the killing, authorities have indicated that counselling will be given to students, teachers, and parents affected by the violence which affected normal school activities.

Meanwhile, Senator Noel Monteith, State Minister in the Ministry of Education and Youth, described yesterday's incident as "frightening and amazing".

"It is most unfortunate that it is now happening at the primary level," said Senator Monteith.

According to him, efforts have been made to address the perennial problem of violence in schools, but it continues nonetheless.

He pointed to the latest intervention where students, who display behavioural problems, have been assessed and referred to psychologists.

If your child suffers from one or more of the following behavioural problems or conditions, it may be time to consider professional assistance:

Your child frequently defies authority and breaks rules.

Lacks the ability to properly communicate with others.

Receives exceptionally poor grades, or his or her academic performance is deteriorating quickly.

Lacks relationship-building skills with peers and authority figures.

Is an at-risk youth, frequently taking risks that endanger his or her personal well-being.

Has a low level of self-esteem.

Source: www.threesprings.com

The blood trail running for several metres along the corridor left a telltale sign about what occurred. Mark Jackson, Odane's teacher, was almost moved to tears when he spoke of the late 15-year-old.