9-y-o CSEC star getting celebrity treatment

For nine-year-old Jahquane Silvera, success following his Grade One achievement in CSEC physical education has brought unexpected fame, as the young superstar now feels like a little celebrity and might need a “bodyguard”.

Jahquane told THE WEEKEND STAR that he has been smiling since his achievement, but his regular trips around his community of Gayle, St Mary, which were once hassle free, have taken on a different feel.

“Everyone is pointing and saying ‘That’s the boy’ or ‘That’s the little boy’,” he said. For the youngster, who declared that he is not shy but simply not used to the attention, the new-found fame will take some getting used to.

“I need the bodyguard. It’s a lot of crowd and everyone is talking about me,” he joked, adding that the attention is especially noticeable when he is on his way to the shop. Jahquane’s fame came after he found a balance between playtime, sitting his CSEC examination in May and simultaneously preparing for his Grade Five PEP assessments. His results have since showcased his capabilities, as he aced the CSEC examination.

The youngster recalled the moment he realised he was now “a little celebrity”.

“I got the [THE STAR] newspaper. When I went out by the road I was so surprised and my grandmother bought the paper and read it,” he said. “I have been very excited, showed my friends and family. They say congratulations.” Jahquane also said that his copy of the newspaper is now being kept safely at home.

His mother, Princess Allen, said that since her son’s story was published and the love and support began pouring in, the nine-year-old has found even more motivation.

“Because of the feeling he is having now, he wants to do another one (subject) and he is just saying ‘Mommy, what are you going to give me now?’” she said, chuckling.

Jahquane said that he is already ready for another CSEC challenge.

“I am going to do English next,” he said. However, Allen, a single mother of two, told THE WEEKEND STAR that she is still doing back-to-school preparations.

“He is going to Grade Six and already thinking about the high school he wishes to attend,” she said.

In the meantime, Allen said Jahquane has been basking in the positive comments online following his story.

“It makes me feel amazing. I want to tell other children to try and I want to encourage them to try by telling them my story,” the youngster added.