Classmates, teachers and friends of cliff-jumping victim Justin Henry are erecting a plaque in his memory at his old primary school.
Students at the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre raised money to buy a plaque to honour their friend on the wall of the George Town Primary School, where he attended school when he was younger and where he returned to do work experience as a teenager as part of his course at the centre, said English teacher Ann Fennelly.
Justin’s peers and teachers at the centre decided to raise money to reserve a plaque on the George Town Primary’s “Wall of Honour”. They felt it would be a fitting and lasting tribute to Justin in the place where he spent his early formative years.
The 16-year-old died on 26 December, 2011, after jumping into rough water at the bluff at Pedro St. James.
“Losing Justin was like losing a part of me or a brother. I’d give a fortune and more to have him back,” said Kyshon Missick, one of the friends who helped raise money for the plaque.
Another pal Kimani Davis said: “Justin ‘Guccii’ was more a brother than a friend. Wish he was still here to laugh and dance with us,” while his friend Ashley Ebanks said: “Love and miss my best friend and older brother. I can’t believe he’s gone. Really wish I could turn back the hands of time.”
Nathaniel Forbes, Denise Abat and Jesenia Arch, George Town Primary students with whom Justin worked during his work experience placement at the school recalled how nice Justin had been to them and said they missed him in the library.
George Town Primary Parents and Teachers Association’s “Wall of Honour” is a fundraiser aimed at informing the public of the need for a playground at the school. It offers a unique way to recognise forever those who have contributed funds to this much needed project and leave a lasting memory of those who have passed on.
George Town Primary has been without a playground since Hurricane Ivan hit in 2004. To date, the project has raised just more than $30,000. The PTA’s goal is $60,000.
Those interested in participating in this project can e-mail [email protected]
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