Lindeners mourn loss of influential teacher to COVID-19 in the US

The Linden community, in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), has plunged into a state of mourning following the death of one of its most influential past teachers who succumbed to the coronavirus in the United States of America (USA) on Thursday.

Reports indicate that Quincy Cummings, a former Technical Drawing teacher of the Mackenzie High School (MHS) in Linden was hospitalised at a Queens General Hospital after complaining of constant headaches and experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 weeks ago.
He was also said to have a history of hypertension and diabetes. In a social media post, the MHS administration on Thursday described the former Head of Department’s death as “an unexpected blow”, while noting that it was “a loss too great” to accurately communicate.
The school’s administration also expressed condolences to Cummings’s family and friends. Family members, former students and officials also took to social media to express their sympathy over the loss of the teacher, with many describing him as a very motivational and disciplined educator.
His daughter, Christina Cummings, revealed his love for family. “This would never be able to sit right with us…Maybe time will heal our souls…,” she noted.
The young woman remembered her father as one who loved and spoke highly of his children. She also described him as a father who did everything to make his family happy.
Teacher and former colleague, Shawn Whittaker remembered Cummings as a gentleman who was very passionate about the learners getting their work done. He said he was one who “approached problems objectively to get the best solutions. Will be forever missed, we all lost a great friend,” he noted.
Another former colleague, Sonia Daniels, said she was saddened at the news. “Sincere condolences to the entire family circle. May God comfort his family during the time of loss…”, she indicated. Former MHS student, Niomi Alsopp also remembered the former MHS teacher as fun, but disciplined.
“Mr Cummings will surely be missed. I remember him teaching Three Opal like it was yesterday. He was both a serious and fun teacher… never a dull class with him. May his soul rest in peace”, she noted.
Cummings worked at the Mackenzie High School for many years before migrating to the United States with his wife and children.