Cedar Grove Primary School
Another local school has fallen victim to thieves; this time, the Cedar Grove Primary School, where vandals struck over the weekend, breaking into multiple classrooms and stealing critical equipment.
According to reports, the culprits made off with security cameras, an air-conditioning unit, and other valuable items after forcing entry into the Grades 2, 4, and 5 classrooms. Teachers and staff arrived on Monday morning to find the rooms ransacked, with learning materials and supplies strewn across the floor.
The attack on Cedar Grove Primary is just the latest in a disturbing wave of school break-ins plaguing educational institutions across Antigua and Barbuda.
Cedar Grove Primary School
In recent months, several schools, including Jennings Secondary, Five Islands Primary, and T.N. Kirnon Primary and Baptiste Academy, have reported similar incidents where intruders stole computers, smart TVs, fans, and cash collected for school activities. Some campuses have even been targeted multiple times within the same term..
Education officials have condemned the trend, describing the thefts as a direct attack on children’s education. One senior ministry source said, “These schools are not banks. They’re community institutions meant to uplift our young people. Every time thieves break in, they’re robbing children of opportunities.”
Many schools have already been struggling with limited budgets and aging infrastructure. The loss of equipment, particularly learning technology and security systems has further set back progress.
The Ministry of Education is reportedly reviewing security protocols, while community members are urging a return to the days when “the village protected the school.”
Police investigations are underway into the Cedar Grove incident, but no arrests have been made so far. Authorities continue to appeal for public assistance in identifying those responsible, reminding citizens that protecting schools means protecting the nation’s future.
Bet you is teens doing the break ins
I am a bit confused. Aren’t there Security personnel placed at the schools during the night because this same thing has been happening for years now? Or they only use the security to monitor who goes in and out during the day?
This is beyond disappointing when people start targeting schools, it shows how far respect for the community has fallen. Those places are meant for learning and growth, not destruction and theft
So them tief cameras and air-condition? What kind of fool tief does go after the things meant to protect the same school
Time for more patrols at night. These criminals have no fear because they know the chances of being caught are slim.
Time enough Antiguans protest for the rights things! We need proper security measures in our schools and around our communities. Protesting for petty things don’t make the cut anymore. We need to change the way we think and react
Until someone catches them in the act and shoot or cut off their hands or feet they wouldn’t learn. Make example of one of them and see
Antigua turning into a place where people only think about quick money. No conscience, no community spirit
It getting from bad to worse. Every week is another school! Them people heartless, man, how you rob from children?
Dem same tief probably went round to the other schools too. Antigua small, somebody know who doing this mess
Lord, imagine the children coming to class Monday morning to see everything mash up. That must’ve been heartbreaking
Me glad the ministry finally speaking up, but talk alone nah go cut it. We need patrols or watchmen back at these schools.