According to Minister Grange, she knew Mrs Vernon personally as she had recommended her to serve as a member of the National Commission during her previous tenure as Minister of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture in 2007 – 2012. A recommendation that cabinet approved and Mrs Vernon accepted.

“During her tenure as a UNESCO Commissioner she represented the Commission at a number of conferences including ‘Improving the Quality of Education in Jamaica Conference’ held at the University West Indies, Mona in 2008 and the ‘UNESCO Regional Education Statistics Workshop’ for the Caribbean also at UWI in March 2012,” Minister Grange said.

In recounting a few of the many interactions she had with Mrs Vernon, the Minister said “she was an unassuming, profound and patient individual who served not only the Commission well but also the various organisation she loaned herself to over the years. She was a committed educator who brought a wealth of experience to the Commission. She will be sadly missed. May her soul rest in peace.”

Mrs Vernon served as Principal of the Alpha Primary School for over three decades. She also served as President of the Jamaica Teacher’s Association and was a long standing Commissioner of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ) in addition to serving on several boards.

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