Retired cop helping youth rise above hurt

Against the background of continued instances of violence in Jamaican schools, a 10-week initiative aimed at combating violence and providing support to the nation’s youth and their families is now under way at Belair High School in Manchester.

The programme, dubbed ‘Rising Above Our Hurt’, is the brainchild of retired Police Superintendent Oberlene Smith-Whyte, with the support of the Rotary Club of Mandeville, Rotary Club of Manor Park, and Rotary Activators of North America and the Caribbean.

It was first launched at May Day High School in the parish and targets the generational consequences of domestic violence that affect hundreds of Jamaican families.

The programme unites students, parents, Rotarians, the police, educators and community partners, and is aimed at fostering understanding and resilience to disrupt the cycle of pain and pave the way for healing.

Smith-Whyte described last Thursday’s launch as “a very emotional experience”.

“Some of the parents didn’t know how to say ‘I love you’. They say the children know it already, but eventually they all did it. Very emotional. Some of the children rejected it because, obviously, they were not accustomed to it, but eventually [they accepted it]. I am so happy for them and I am looking forward to a very impactful programme,” she told The Gleaner.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Donnalyn King, principal of Belair High School, emphasised the initiative’s core message.

“Many of our young people are not ‘bad’; they are simply hurting. When behaviour becomes disruptive, it often conceals deeper pain. This programme aims to recognise that pain and equip families with the tools essential for healing,” she told her audience.

According to Smith-Whyte, the programme will include joint family sessions with dedicated developmental tracks for the youth and parents to fill the intervening weeks, with young participants set to acquire critical skills, including emotional regulation, effective communication, conflict resolution, leadership development, and an understanding of relationship boundaries.

Simultaneously, parents will engage in impactful virtual sessions focusing on generational cycles, compassionate discipline, emotional awareness, and the vital process of rebuilding trust.

Families will master the art of maintaining firmness without force, correction without degradation, and leadership grounded in dignity and respect.

Following what she described as a successful execution at May Day High, Smith-Whyte said her team is determined to expand the programme to more schools, churches, and community organisations.

The programme at May Day High, and now Belair, comes as the country continues to grapple with youth-on-youth violence and follows last Wednesday’s stabbing death of 16-year old Devonie Shearer at Ocho Rios High School, which led to the arrest of his 17-year-old schoolmate.

The police reported then that Shearer and the other boy had an altercation at the school and was struck in the head with a metal chair, resulting in his death.

That tragedy came during a week when several schools across the island observed activities promoting peace.

In April 2024, 15-year-old Raniel Plummer was fatally stabbed during an attack at Irwin High School in Montego Bay, St James, which led to the arrest of a 14-year-old boy; Further, in November of the same year, 11-year-old Amari Kohley was stabbed to death by a girl with whom he had a dispute.

There have also been scores of other violent incidents involving students against students, as well as adult-student and adult conflicts in the vicinities of schools across the island.

karen.madden@gleanerjm.com