President of the Jamaica Teachers Association Owen Speid has charged members to believe in the power of prayer, as they seek divine guidance in the wake of the tragic deaths of some teachers and students, over the past year.

The JTA held a vigil of reflection and remembrance, at its Kingston headquarters this afternoon, under the theme ‘ We Pray, God Delivers’.

The JTA President noted that today’s prayer session is the first of many, and also comes in the wake of 2 recent student deaths: that of 9 year old Kyle Richards who was washed away by flood waters in August Town last month; and 7 year old Benjamin Bair who was crushed after a garbage truck fell on him at the Clan Carthy primary school on Monday.

Speid lamented that the tragic death of young Benjamin hurt him more, as it brought back memories of the loss of his own son, who was killed a motor vehicle accident.

He said it’s important that prayers are backed up by faith.

Speid noted the challenges faced daily by school administrators and teachers, and urged them to always take proper care of their bodies.