IN WAKE OF OCHI HIGH KILLING, MINISTER SAYS ‘WE HAVE TO STOP IT’
OCHO RIOS, St Ann; March 5, 2026
Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon says society lost two boys with the killing of the Ocho Rios High School boy and the arrest of his schoolmate for it, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
The Minister was speaking during a visit to the school in Ocho Rios, where she met with the principal and teachers and indicated to the administration her commitment to support the school. She said she told them of her willingness to respond to any further help the school may request.
(Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon leads officials as she visits Ocho Rios High)
Dr Morris Dixon flew by helicopter to the school, arriving before 8, on its morning shift on Thursday, less than 24 hours after 16-year-old Devonie Shearer of Ocho Rios, was knocked unconscious after being hit over the head with a metal chair by a schoolmate. Several local officials were also on the tour of the school. They included Custos of St Ann, Joseph Issa; MP Matthew Samuda; Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, Michael Belnavis; Education Ministry Region 3 Director, Karlene Segre, and Head of St Ann Police, Superintendent Carlos Ricketts
The 17-year-old suspect is in police custody. OCHI HIGH BOY IN CUSTODY AFTER DEATH OF SCHOOLMATE
(MP for NE St Ann Matthew Samuda leads Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon into Ocho Rios High school)
The Education Minister called it a tragedy. She said it has happened too often in this country.
“It is heartbreaking for the entire school community,” she said. The school has lost two children.
Here’s Dr Morris Dixon: We are here:
She asked for Jamaica to pray for the children across the country.
