The Jamaica Day activities which were set to take place on Friday morning, February 28, at the St Mary’s Preparatory and Kindergarten School in the Blue Hole area of Montpellier in St James ended pre-maturely after one of their students was hit down and killed outside the school gate. Deandra Johnson, eight-year-old, grade three student, who hails from the community of Cambridge was killed by a motor vehicle driven by Freddie Barnett, 53-year-old salesman of St James address. The driver, who had to be placed in protective custody to avoid being harmed by angry residents following the accident, has been warned for prosecution. Reports are that about 9:15 am, on Friday, Johnson was among other students who journeyed to school on a mini bus, travelling from the directions of Cambridge. On reaching the entrance to her school the driver reportedly stopped on the opposite side of the roadway and indicated to the students to cross, in front of his vehicle.It is further stated that the driver did not indicate to other motorists that he was allowing students to cross the roadway. Johnson had just stepped out from in front of the parked bus when Barnett who was travelling in the said directions attempted to go around the parked bus and mowed down the student.Barnett who was also driving a white Toyota Hiace mini bus registered CJ 6964 was immediately attacked by several community members who armed themselves with machetes. The injured child was rushed to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead.The driver was freed from the armed mob by an off duty police officer. He escaped with minor injuries.In the meanwhile, concerned residents of the community are now blaming the entire incident on the driver who transported the student to school. They say he should have dropped off the child on the other side of the road, making it unnecessary for her to have to cross. Others have said the driver who had been transporting the child and other students should have given the signal indicating to other motorists that they should stop and not try to overtake.Dr Anthony Taylor, principal of St Mary’s Preparatory School told the North Coast Times that Johnson was a very friendly and courteous student who was always at the head of her class and was supposed to be the lead dancer in their Jamaican Day activities for Friday. According to the principal, the entire school family is now grieving. He said they had support from the Child Support Unit, the School Board and the Guidance Counselling team.
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