THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM looking for my former teacher, Ms. Barbara Smith. Over the years, I have tried unsuccessfully to locate the teacher who has had the most lasting impression on my life. Ms Smith was my primary school teacher at Collington Primary School in the hills of northern Clarendon in the late '60s to early '70s. She came to Collington just out of teachers' college and was one of five or six new teachers that came in at the start of the school year.
Luckily, she became my grade teacher and the Common Entrance preparatory class teacher. There was one incident that stood out and has remained with me ever since. During recess one day we were playing "chase". I fell and burst my head and scraped off some skin off my left leg. Both Ms Smith and another teacher saw what happened and the other teacher's remark was, "Serve you well; oonu play too much". Ms Smith then came over, picked me up, took me to the pipe stand, wiped me down, and just advised me to be more careful in the future. Thereafter I became her favourite student and was most sad when I passed my exam to go to Clarendon College.
Unfortunately, we lost contact after she left Collington. Over the years, memories of her kindness have continued to paint my heart with what a teacher should be. I have tried locating her through the Internet and during my many trips home. I have heard that she was teaching somewhere in St. Catherine. She is originally from Wild Cane in St Ann and I remember that she was short, around five feet or five feet two.
I do not know if she got married and what her new name may be. My guess is that she should now be in the 50 to 55 year range. If anyone out there knows this fine lady, please pass this on to her. And Ms Smith, if you are reading this, please contact me. If you are still in Jamaica, I will be there for the New Year or Christmas and it would mean the world to me to catch up with you.
I am, etc.,
R. TONY LEWARS
Kaiker_99@yahoo.com
P.O. Box 2474
Elizabeth/Chapelton
New Jersey 07208
USA
Via Go-Jamaica
