Adrian Frater, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:
SANJAY HARRISON was not around to celebrate his 18th birthday two Tuesdays ago. The recent graduate of Cornwall College, in Montego Bay, who dreamt of one day becoming an architect, decided to take his own life.
Sanjay's parents - stepfather businessman Edward Johnson and mother Donna Johnson - said he was well loved and cared for.
"He had just about everything a child could ever want," said Mr. Johnson. "The only problem we had with him was the late hours he was coming home at nights and his mode of dressing. We have had to speak to him quite strongly about it on several occasions."
FAMILY SHAKEN
During The Gleaner's visit to the family home, Mr. Johnson struggled to fight back the tears, remaining fairly composed,
Mrs. Johnson only offered occasional comments as her husband explained that their strictness was more out of concern for Sanjay's safety.
"If he felt he had a problem, he should have spoken to me ... he knows I am always here for him," wailed Mrs. Johnson.
GANGSTA DRESSING
Outside of his late hours and his baggy-style pants and handkerchief tied across his forehead, Mr. Johnson said young Sanjay was your average boy, although he was somewhat of an introvert.
"He was not rude or anything like that. He was not one to talk back to you," said Mr. Johnson, as his voice lowered to a whisper. "He was not brilliant academically although he passed two subjects. His strength was using his hands to make things. He was brilliant with his hands."
Based on preliminary investigations carried out by the Mount Salem police and the family's own recollection, it would appear that Sanjay's unfortunate decision to end his life was made following another argument with his parents about his coming home late.
HANGING FROM ACKEE TREE
According to the police, on the morning of the quarrel, after his parents left for work, Sanjay emptied all his belongings from his room. He burnt some of the stuff and threw others into an abandoned doghouse. The following morning, a painter who went to work at the family's two-storey house, saw his body hanging from an ackee tree on an adjoining property.
