Dear Editor,

Saturday morning I woke with the intention of getting ready to go to church. However, as customary, I browsed through the internet to see what was in the news. I saw a familiar face on the
Jamaica Observer’s
Instagram page; it was that of Ceejay Cunningham — the 2022 prime minister’s youth awardee for excellence in agriculture.

I immediately recognised him because I was the one who took the photo in February 2023. I briefly contemplated what other successes he might have achieved. However, to my surprise, it was a most disturbing and unanticipated caption. He was shot and killed last Friday evening.

I experienced a range of emotions: shock, disbelief, numbness, etc. Why would anyone take his life? Why did he have to depart so young, so soon?

I recall going to Chantilly, Manchester, a few days after he was presented with the prestigious award to interview him on his farm to get a better understanding of his journey and his love for agriculture. We had a great conversation. Cunningham was pleasant, respectful, jovial, ambitious, and hard-working. He had a vision for agriculture: to expand his business and motivate others.

His mother, Joan Lewis, was happy for the positive contribution her son was making, and she was grateful that the media visited her house for a good purpose and not something related to crime and violence. Unfortunately, the same media outlet went back to her house at the weekend — just over a year later — to report on the tragic loss of her promising son. His future was bright.

I am really shaken, especially as I attended the 2023 awards ceremony held two Saturdays ago. Our young people have decided their expertise and have sacrificed a lot of time to shine in their respective categories to build the nation and help others become.

It is truly disheartening to see their work end prematurely.

May we remember the “green thumb” young farmer who has left an indelible mark on his rural community and the wider Jamaica.

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com