Crossman's tribute came during an appreciation service held at the Guy's Hill Primary School on December 1, for retired teachers Joan Archer and Winnifred Neale Byfield.

Archer served the school for 30 years while Byfield gave 17 years. Both women worked in the lower school and retired as senior teachers.

A past student of the Guy's Hill Primary School, Crossman was taught by Archer and Byfield at grade one and grade three, respectively.

Formative years

He told the gathering at the service that he would never forget those formative years and the impact the two teachers had on him as a child.

Fredrick Lewis, former principal of the Bog Walk High School in St Catherine, also lauded the efforts of the veteran teachers. He encouraged them to find ways and means to continue contributing to nation building.

Principal Joyce Tennant Stewart, in paying tribute to Archer and Byfield, said Jamaica needs more sincere educators who are willing to go beyond the call of duty to make a difference.