Perished in a fire: A Tribute to Zaya

Zaya Morris, a Standard One pupil of St Brigid’s Girls’ RC School, sadly lost her life on Sunday, April 2, 2023. Together with her mother, Kemba Morris, Zaya perished in a fire at her Siparia home. She is survived by her father, brother and sister. It is with heavy hearts that her Principal, Jeselle Nelson, and other members of staff at St Brigid’s pay tribute to her memory.

Described as a godsend, Zaya was known to be a pleasant, jolly and polite eight-year-old pupil who befriended all her classmates. Decked with a wonderful sense of humour even as an infant, she enjoyed colouring, listening to stories, singing and playing with her friends.

During her years at the school, she performed well in Mathematics and would often glow with joy whenever she got all her work correct. This lover of macaroni and mashed potatoes was also excited and focused when doing craft activities.

A very willing and helpful student, Zaya always volunteered to do classroom chores: erase the whiteboard, share books, pack the books in the class’ library and take the roll book to the office. Even on the last day she attended school, she was very helpful to her teacher.

Zaya lived up to her school’s motto, “Love and Service”. Her Christ-like service reminds us of Jesus’ example set at the washing of His disciples’ feet – an act of love, humility and service. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

May the souls of Zaya and her mother, Kemba, through God’s rich mercy, rest in eternal peace. We pray also that her loved ones find strength, peace and comfort in God’s love. Amen.

CEBM, Education Ministry send condolences

The Catholic Education Board of Management (CEBM) on Monday, April 3 said it is “deeply saddened by the death of young Zaya and her mother Kemba”. Prayerful condolences were extended to the family. “May the souls of Zaya and Kemba rest in peace,” the CEBM stated.

In a post on the Ministry of Education’s Facebook page also on Monday, Minister of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, and Minister in the Ministry of Education Lisa Morris-Julian extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

It stated, “Zaya was a Standard 1 student of St Brigid’s Girls’ RC School loved by her teachers and classmates. The school supervisor and officers of the Student Support Services Division are providing the necessary interventions to her bereaved family as well as the teachers and students.”

A grief session was to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 5 for Morris’ Standard One classmates at the school compound.

A separate session for staff will take place through the Employee Assistance Programme on April 19.