The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

THE principal of five children who tragically drowned in a boat accident off Abaco last Sunday remembered them as "wonderful" students and said their loss is deeply mourned.

Siblings Alonzo Joseph, Jermaine Joseph, and Chrisanta Joseph, along with fellow siblings Evanskie Baptiste and Kendle Baptiste, were five victims of an estimated 28 on board the 25-foot "Glory Time" which capsized en route to Florida.

The five children were among 11 bodies recovered from the sunken vessel. They all attended Treasure Cay Primary school where one was in grade one, three were in grade four, and the last in grade five.

"They were wonderful students, wonderful athletes, and wonderful little boys and girls," said principal Myrtis Russell who added the loss of the children has been "rough" on fellow students and staff alike as the school has never faced the untimely death of students before.

Visits from Social Services personnel for grief counselling have already occurred and more counsellors are expected to visit the school today.

Mrs Russell noted the counselling is not only for students but faculty as well - "For all of us," she said.

"Yesterday morning we allowed them to cry and get it out," Mrs Russell said. "We just let them know to remember the good times they had with their friends."

However, staff also had a request of the children.

"If at any time they would have heard or know of another trip planned, to please inform someone so we can stop something from happening," Mrs Russell said.

As the boat is suspected to have held illegal migrants, when asked if voyages of that sort commonly occur, Mrs Russell answered: "It's known to be, but we've never had it like this at our school, where it was met with death."

With graduation looming just around the corner, Mrs Russell confirmed Treasure Cay Primary will hold a memorial service in honour of the children.