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Stabroek News

'Tell mom that I love her' - Last wish of Jordano Flemming
published: Tuesday | March 7, 2006

Petrina Francis and Stephanie Coleman, Gleaner Writers


Left: Jordano Flemming in happier times. Right: Andrea Flemming, mother of murder victim Jordano Flemming. - PHOTOS BY JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

TEACHERS AND students at the Mona High School, St. Andrew, were in a sombre mood yesterday, as they mourned the tragic death of Jordano Flemming, a grade 10 student who was stabbed to death last Saturday.

"I am upset with the society because too often we are hearing about the murder of our children", said Sheree Rodney, Jordano's former teacher.

"This was a child with a lot of potential, our children are our future. We have to put a stop to this", she added.

Jordano and his friend were on their way home from a church social when a knife wielding man demanded their possessions. His friend managed to run away but Jordano stayed behind and refused to give up his belongings. When the demands were not met, Jordano was stabbed in the chest.

"I broke down in tears, it was just very shocking," said Stacy-Ann Shaw, immediate past form teacher of the 15-year-old. Mrs. Shaw told The Gleaner that she finds it difficult to believe that one of her students' lives was snuffed out.

Jordano joined Mona High School in grade eight, after returning home from England. Mrs. Rodney said he had difficulty settling in but he adjusted well eventually.

QUIET, WELL-DRESSED STUDENT

Mrs. Shaw described Jordano as a quiet, well-dressed student who was always smiling.

An active participant in the school's football team, Jordano's former class and team mate, Kamau Watson is devastated by the loss of his friend.

"When I heard that he died, I felt sick, I couldn't eat," a distressed Kamau told The Gleaner while hanging his head. The 16-year-old said he is now fearful for his life and now feels that he will have to walk with a knife to defend himself, if the need arises.

And Sasha-Kay Allen, another former classmate said she broke down when she got the news of Jordano's passing. "He was a quiet and handsome boy. I am very much angry just by thinking about the whole thing," she said.

"It can look like a robbery attempt, one is never too sure," said Everton Flemming, Jordano's father who is currently pursuing advanced studies in England

According to Mr. Flemming, Jordano was attacked and beaten by other students on the school compound in January after he withdrew from a group of friends who smoked marijuana.

His father said he was accused of being an 'informer' and he was threatened. Although his injuries were not serious the incident left a bitter taste in his parents' mouths and they also felt that the reaction of the school administration was not effective.

THREAT

"I talked to the principal and he did not get back in touch with me. We had to stop him from school for weeks and they did not deal with the threat," said Jordano's father vehemently.

Mrs. Flemmin also felt that the boys who were suspended for the act should have been expelled. But Earl Smith, principal of the school explained that expulsion is reserved for altercations that "draw blood".

Jordano's mother Andrea Flemming, who is having difficulty coming to grips with her son's murder said his last wish before he died was to "tell mom that I love her and to take care of Andres."

Investigators are anticipating an early breakthrough in the case as they are following strong leads.

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