Following the death of Rikki Samuel, the nation is in mourning. He was a kindergarten student at the Banse La Grace Combined School, who died in a motor vehicular accident on October 25. The young student’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from government officials, including the Ministers for Education Shawn Edward and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Jeremiah Norbert.
The accident, which reportedly occurred in Vieux Fort, has shaken the local community and the wider national school system. Rikki Samuel was described as a promising young boy who would have celebrated his fifth birthday in December.
Minister Jeremiah Norbert, member of parliament for Micoud North, was one of the first officials to express his thoughts on social media. In a post on Facebook he said, “Really saddened by the death of Rikki. Really sad and touched. My heart and prayers go out to his family, friends, and teachers at the Banse La Grace Combined School. I also extend prayers to all of those who suffered injuries in the crashes and make a plea to please be safe on the roads in these times!”
Minister Shawn Edward highlighted the profound impact of the loss on the national school community. In his own Facebook post, Edward confirmed the tragedy, stating, “My staff and I, and the extended national school community, are deeply saddened by the passing of Rikki Samuel, a kindergarten student of the Banse La Grace Combined School.”
Edward added, “We pray for strength for his family and friends during this period of mourning. Emran Antoine of the TVET School of Heritage and Construction (Piaye Secondary) sustained injuries in the accident. Emran was in good spirits when I visited him at the hospital.”
The Minister of Education also noted that he was accompanied by the school’s principal, Irene Emmanuel, who is understandably in “shock and disbelief at what has undoubtedly shaken the core of her school and community.”
Edward concluded his message by extending his support and prayer to the grieving, saying, “God be with Ms Emmanuel and her staff and the families of the young men.”
So sad. My condolences to the family. The driving on this island is diabolical. Bus drivers the worst, always in a hurry to get another journey in for the sake of a few dollars.
We do not need prayers,what we need is action.how about raising insurance premiums. On reckless drivers. Prosecutoring, reckless drivers who cause this accidents, and if it more than 3 accidents and you are wrong and under the influence, take your drivers license. An example must be set.