SAASS supporter dies after medical episode at Intercol

by Curlan Campbell

• Photo on Facebook captured Harford celebrating SAASS athletes at Intercol
• Worked at Spice Island Beach Resort since 2019
• Harford had strict guidelines on managing her health post-open heart surgery

There was an immediate outpouring of condolences and support to the family following news that Vernessa Harford, 32, died at The General Hospital after collapsing during the Republic Bank Intercol Championship (Intercol) on Thursday, 14 March 2024.

In a statement on social media, Intercol Grenada wrote: “We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Vernessa Harford. May she rest in eternal peace, and may God grant you all strength during this difficult time.”

Photographer Dwain Thomas captured Harford celebrating the athletes of St Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (SAASS) in a photo that is circulating on Facebook. The photo shows her posing for the camera and holding up a peace sign. On her Instagram page, there was a live feed of her celebrating with the caption “UP UP UP in Telescope.”

Harford lived in the Noel’s Hill community in St James, St Andrew and worked in the Spa Department of Spice Island Beach Resort since 2019.

NOW Grenada visited the family and spoke with her father, Ritchie Harford, who informed them about his daughter’s medical condition. She recently underwent surgery and was given strict guidelines on how to manage her health after the surgery.

At home when he received the sad news, Harford said although his daughter could be strong-willed at times, he described her as a calm, loving child. In a state of grief, Harford wished that his daughter had not attended the games. “The environment was not appropriate for Vernessa, because if I had known that she was going to Intercol, I would have tried to dissuade her from going,” he said.

Vernessa Harford’s former teacher at Grenville Secondary School, and mentor, Tessa St Cyr, was deeply saddened and could not hold back her tears when she visited. St Cyr reminisced, “I taught her from form 1 all the way up to form 5, and our relationship continued outside of school. Her mother was one of my best friends, and we talked almost every day. This is just sad.” She said, “Everybody loved ‘Nessa.’ I will remember her with a smile on her face coming to give a hug.”

SAASS Principal Dianne Abel Jeffery extended condolences to the family, saying, “Unfortunately, we got the sad news of the passing of one of our avid supporters, Ms Vernessa Harford. I take the opportunity to express my sympathies on behalf of our school to the family of Vernessa.”