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📍WHITEHOUSE, WESTMORELAND — JAMAICA
The Whitehouse community is gripped by grief as search efforts resume for 11-year-old Desroy Smith Jr, who was swept away in floodwaters Monday afternoon after heavy rain lashed the area.
Desroy, a Grade 5 student at New Hope Primary & Junior High, disappeared shortly after 2:30 p.m. while trying to cross a flooded drain near the school. The powerful current pulled him straight into the Caribbean Sea.
🚨 HEROIC RESCUE ATTEMPTS — BUT IN VAIN
Nearby students and a local ice cream vendor tried desperately to save Desroy, but the force of the water was overwhelming.
“The force weh di water a come down wid drag him off the side and a suh him wash weh,” said one eyewitness.
The Jamaica Fire Brigade, JDF Air Wing, and Coast Guard have all been mobilized. A helicopter search was launched, and recovery crews are standing by.
However, poor lighting forced search efforts to be suspended Monday evening, with operations set to resume at first light Tuesday.
🕊️ A FAMILY HIT BY MULTIPLE TRAGEDIES
This is the second son lost by Desroy’s father, Desroy Smith Sr — his older boy died in a diving accident last September.
“This a guh hard fi him,” said one community member. “Mi hear say him deh pon di sea helping with the search.”
Adding to the heartbreak, the family had just buried another relative less than two weeks ago. The child’s mother and sister had to be rushed to hospital for trauma and shock.
🚸 QUESTIONS ABOUT SCHOOL SAFETY
Reports are emerging that the school gate may have been locked, and students allegedly used a hole in the fence to exit the compound. Some say Desroy ignored pleas from classmates not to cross the dangerous drain.
“They should have been inside waiting to be dismissed,” a trembling teacher shared. “We’re heartbroken and hoping for the best.”
🗣️ OUR TAKE
This tragedy exposes yet again the lack of flood-readiness around schools in vulnerable communities. There must be an urgent audit of school evacuation protocols, especially during heavy rains.
This wasn’t a freak accident. It was preventable.
🙏 Demand answers.
Demand safer school infrastructure.
Demand drainage solutions — before another child is lost.
Let’s honour Desroy Jr by preventing the next tragedy.
💡If you see standing or moving water: Don’t risk it. Walk away.
Follow Mykro Wave TV JM for continuous updates.
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