Teacher dies hours after Corentyne fatal accident

Nov 23, 2025 News

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…two critical, 14 injured

(Kaieteur News) – Another victim of the fatal accident that claimed the life of 16-year-old Jodea Seline died on Saturday. On Saturday, Jerome Bernard, a teacher of the Central Corentyne Secondary School succumbed to injuries.

Kaieteur News understands that Bernard was one of three persons listed as critical at the Number 75 Hospital. It is unclear whether Bernard was the driver of the minibus.

Police in a statement Saturday said that in addition to the 31-year-old driver, a 13-year-old female of Brighton Village and a 16-year-old female of Cromarty Village are listed as critical. The trio was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for treatment.

On Friday, a minibus bearing registration number BAB 7570, which was driven by a 31-year-old teacher of Brighton Village, Berbice was proceeding north along the roadway with several passengers when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn on its right side.

As a result, the driver and 17 passengers which include teachers and students were injured. The injured were assisted by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Number 75 Regional Hospital where Seline was pronounced dead on arrival.

“The remaining passengers were admitted at the Number. 75 Regional Hospital under observation in stable conditions,” the statement further said.

Seline’s body is currently at the Number 75 Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination, while investigation continue.

The distraught mother of Jodea and Jenia Seline met with representatives of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) on Saturday.

The woman, popularly called ‘Dolly’ said that she got the news Friday evening that the bus her children were traveling in had an accident. She said she was told that Jenia, Jodea’s younger sister, was responding but she received no initial news about Jodea.

Dolly said when she arrived at the hospital, she was told her 16-year-old daughter died. “She [Jenia] is in the hospital responding to treatment,” the distraught woman said. News of the situation resulted in the mother also being hospitalized.

The woman told the visiting politicians that her children love sports. “They always like sports, especially Jodea,” she said noting that she heard her daughter won one of her races.

Dolly said she was told, the driver of the minibus attempted to avoid a horse that entered his path causing the vehicle to topple.

As news of Bernard’s death circulated on social media, the Central Corentyne Secondary School on its Facebook page expressed sadness at the teacher’s death.

“It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved colleague, Mr. Jerome Bernard. Mr. Bernard was not only a dedicated teacher, but a bright and vibrant soul within our school community. He had a deep love for writing poetry,” the school said.

Further, the school noted that Bernard, who was fondly called ‘Sir Bernard’ was known for his warm humour.

“Mr. Bernard had a gift for making others smile; his jokes, lighthearted spirit, and ability to bring joy to any room made him cherished by students and staff alike. His presence lifted us. His laughter connected us. His kindness reminded us what it means to care,” the school said.

The statement continued: “Today, our school family mourns the loss of a colleague, a friend, and a beautiful human being whose absence leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were blessed to share moments with him.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his words, his laughter, and his light live on in the memories of everyone he touched.

Fly high King ””

Similarly, the administration of the J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School community extended its condolences to the relatives of both Seline and Jerome.

In a statement posted on the school’s Facebook page, the institution said “the principal, staff, and entire J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School community extend our profound and heartfelt condolences on the tragic passing of Jodea Seline, a 16-year-old student of our sister institution, Central Corentyne Secondary School. Her untimely loss has cast a deep shadow of sorrow across the education fraternity, and we share in the grief felt by her family, friends, and school community.”

Further, the school said, “We also express our sincere sympathy on the passing of Sir Jerome, a committed educator of Central Corentyne Secondary School and a cherished former student of J.C. Chandisingh Secondary. His dedication, compassion, and service to his students leave a legacy that will be remembered with great respect,” the school said noting that it stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and the Central Corentyne school community.

“We pray that you may find strength, comfort, and peace, and that the memories of Jodea and Sir Jerome bring light during this difficult time.

May their souls rest in eternal peace, and may their loved ones be granted courage and healing,” the school said.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Minister of Education, Sonia Parag in a statement expressed condolences to Seline’s family.

“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the tragic passing this evening of young Jodea Seline, who attended Central Corentyne Secondary School. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and relatives and pray that you find strength at this very sad time.”

The minister said that her ministry and the government will continue to engage the doctors and staff of the No.75 Regional Hospital “as they care for and monitor the other students and teachers involved in the accident which occurred earlier this evening.”

“We pray for their speedy recovery,” Parag said.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand in a short Facebook post said, “My heart bleeds for the adults, children and parents who were in that accident last night. May the good lord wrap his arms around the family of Jodea Seline and give them comfort and peace. I wish all the injured a full and speedy recovery.”

Manickchand said that there is a need for conversation about animals on the roadways. “It is dangerous. Everybody has right to make a living but that has to be done responsibly without being a nuisance or a danger to other citizens. Isn’t this one thing we can agree on across divides, real or perceived?”

Kaieteur News reported on Saturday that a minibus, filled with schoolchildren who attended the Regional Inter-Secondary Schools’ Athletic Competition were badly injured when the vehicle toppled.

News of the accident quickly spread across social media with several persons posting that o-positive blood was needed urgently to assist those who were injured in the crash.

The Skeldon Line Path Secondary School on its Facebook Page posted, “URGENT!!! As you are aware, there was an accident involving a bus transporting students from a sister school after the regional sports. At this point, many students are in critical condition.

They need O positive blood! Now is your time to help save a life if you meet the requirements to give blood! Come on, O positive people. Head to the #75 Regional Hospital to donate! Please, please. Reshare!!!”

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• accident, Central Corentyne Secondary School, Corentyne, Dead, injured, Jerome Bernard, Jodea Seline

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