In a solemn private visit to the community of Fancy this Saturday, newly appointed Governor General Stanley ‘Stalky’ John, KC, met with families and survivors affected by the devastating Rock Gutter Tragedy of January 12, 2015. The catastrophic incident, which occurred on a treacherous coastal road between Owia and Fancy, claimed the lives of seven students when their school transport veered off the roadway and plunged into the ocean.
The Governor General’s delegation, comprising two counsellors, engaged in private conversations with bereaved families and those who survived the horrific accident. North Windward MP Shevern Stewart joined the discreet gathering, which specifically included community members directly impacted by the tragedy.
His Excellency explained that his visit near the anniversary date was intended to demonstrate solidarity and gain deeper understanding of the community’s ongoing grief and resilience strategies. The visit provided a platform for survivors like Maxroy ‘Danny’ Michael to recount his heroic actions during the disaster, including how he saved several peers before running two miles to Fancy to alert residents.
The students who perished were identified as Racquel Ashton, Simonique Ballantyne, Glenroy Michael, Chanstacia Stay, Annique Alexander, and brothers Jamarl and Jarmallie Edwards. Notably, the bodies of Stay and Ballantyne were never recovered from the sea.
The tragedy’s aftermath continues to resonate through the community. The vehicle’s conductor, Ehud Myers, passed away in April 2023 from unrelated causes. The only adults present during the accident were nurse Shelland Hoyte and driver Ravanon Nanton.
Surviving students Onique Michael, Christie Bowens, Odesia Stay, Teyahna Bowens, Terril Thomas, Israel Roberts, Ruthann Bowens, Orlando Lewis, Shemroy Yorke, and Candi-Ann Sterling continue to live with the trauma of that day. Memorial activities included a January 12 commemorative service and candlelight vigil this year, while a permanent monument was erected at Rock Gutter in March 2017 to honor those lost.