BY GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

SPALDINGS, CLARENDON:

The Christiana Leased Primary School family in Manchester is now in mourning following the sudden passing of one of their youngest member of the teaching staff, Junior Reid, 25.

Reid's sister Monique said he was at a meeting with other teachers at the Silver Creek Hotel in St. Ann on Saturday and went for a swim where he experienced muscle problems and drowned before help could reach him. His body was taken to the Delapenha's Funeral Home in St. Ann.

Monique, who described her brother as a loving, caring, kind, considerate and jovial individual, said after completing his training as a primary education teacher at Bethlehem Moravian College, where he served as president of the student council during the academic year 2004-2005, Reid, who lives in Christiana, worked at the Knox Junior School in Clarendon in the kindergarten section. He also taught at the Kendal Primary School in Manchester for a short while, before taking up a post at the Christiana Leased Primary.

Reid, who also worked at the Super Plus Food Store in Christiana before going to Bethlehem and whenever he was on holidays from college, was well respected by students and staff members at his alma mater.

He was known for his creativity, especially when it came to dub poetry. He was always called upon at major functions, including graduations, to use his talent in entertaining persons.