Single dad celebrates daughter’s ‘Immaculate’ feat in PEP

Since the release of the results of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) national entry level examination, Grandison has been celebrating. His daughter Joanna-Licia Grandison, has matriculated to the all-female Immaculate Conception High School after receiving a placement score of 125.9.

For the last few years the Kensington Primary student has been residing with her dad, who is extremely proud of the accomplishment of his one and only child.

“She has always been an outstanding student from basic school,” said Grandison, a store manager.

“I’m a single parent for the past four years. I don’t get no help from no one. Just me and her alone, so mi just break myself from certain habits… stop go parties, commit myself to her, and just know that I stay home and don’t watch being bored and work it out together,” he added.

Old habits may have died hard for Grandison, but the reward is worth every sacrifice. He will have to forgo even more of the ‘nicer things’ of life for Joanna-Licia, who wants to become a high court judge “for the justice of the people”.

The ambitious 12-year-old said she is “looking forward to expanding my education”.

She means “everything” to her father, beamed with pride and confidence.

“A one child mi have and I put my all in her. In the situation when me and her mother break up she decided that daddy I’m going to stay with you, mi naa leave you. And from that moment I became committed more,” he said.

Adjusting to online school was “very challenging” Joanna-Licia admitted.

“That part was very challenging but I just had to keep my head up high because I was aiming for my first choice,” she said.

“Teacher complain and mi affi draw har up and mek she know se hard work lead to success and whatever you plant that’s what you going to reap,” her father chimed in. 

“In life you have many different challenges but as time goes by you can adjust and move on. If tomorrow comes and you meet in an accident and your right hand is gone you have to try use your left hand, you can’t just give up and said it’s hard.

“And she put in the work by adjusting and maintaining her discipline.”