Girl, 13, commits suicide

Grief counsellors from the Ministry of Education were deployed to the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia (EHSM) yesterday, following the apparent suicide of one of the school’s students.

The 13-year-old girl, a resident of Richland Park, is alleged to have consumed a poisonous substance during the week of March 30, the first week of the school vacation.{{more}} She died almost two weeks later, on Saturday, April 11.

Principal of the school Curtis Greaves told SEARCHLIGHT that the counsellors spoke with the girl’s classmates, other students who were affected by the tragedy and teachers.

“The grief counsellors spoke with them and there will be follow-up sessions throughout the course of the week.”

Greaves said the tragic turn of events has come as a complete shock to the staff and students, who are still trying to come to grips with what happened.

The principal said the second form student was performing well and had no disciplinary problems.

“She was one of our good students. We never had any problems with her at school. She was an outstanding student.”

At the National Awards Ceremony held by the Ministry of Education on April 26, 2013, Minister of Education and Deputy Prime Minister Girlyn Miguel passionately warned students to listen to their teachers and parents because they will not lead them on the wrong path. Additionally, she urged them to speak with someone about a problem that they may be facing.

“I know that some people may become suicidal along the way…please talk to someone about your problem,” she said.

The funeral service for the student is being planned for Sunday, April 19.