Principal of the Reliance Basic School Judith Gardener points to where the robbers entered the school's office. - Rasbert Turner

Classes were not held at the Reliance Basic School at Ferdie Neita Park in Portmore, St Catherine, yesterday as criminals broke into the school twice since Friday, leaving teachers,children and parents saddened.

"They have no mercy on us, as it was Friday last week that they broke into the offices here and stole $37,000, that we made from our fund-raising last week," said Principal Judith Gardener, while pointing to the entry point.

Gardener said the four teachers at the 22-year-old institution are despondent over the situation that have hit the school at the back-to-school period.

fed up

One teacher told THE STAR that she was really fed up of the situation and felt like giving up. "The school has suffered too much from hurricanes, floods and now theft. It cannot be fair that even the sweets for the children were stolen. It is really hurting," Sophia Smith, a teacher said.

Her point was endorsed by a parent who called the culprit(s) heartless and blind. "I have to be here now with my son. He should be in school, but he is missing school. This is very bad and I really hope these blind, heartless persons are caught by the police," Nordia Hall, a parent said.

THE STAR was shown the small area that was used as an entry point by the thieves. Inside, half-boxes of drinks, ice cones and other condiments were strewn about.