A recent string of break-ins across the Grande Riviere community has left residents rattled and increasingly fearful, as criminals continue to target some of the area’s most vulnerable spaces, including schools for young children.
Over the past few weeks, multiple institutions and businesses have been burglarized, including two early childhood development centers, a mini-mart, a bar, and the community wellness center. The attacks have prompted outrage among residents and deep concern about community safety and the emotional toll on children and families.
One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “heartbreaking.” “Over the past few weeks, they entered the school at least four times,” the resident lamented. “I mean, this is heartless. These are spaces for children, how low can you go?”
In one incident, intruders broke into a school through a window and made off with a music player used to play birthday music for children, a container of ice cream, and a mobile phone.
At another facility, the Achievers Early Childhood Development Center, the situation has been especially troubling. The administrator, who has operated the center since 1998, said the premises was broken into three times in the span of two months.
“Sometime in May, they came in the first time and took about eleven boxes of food from the fridge and all of my adapters,” she told Saint Lucia Daily Post. “The second time, they took my fire extinguisher and sprayed it on everything in the daycare, all the cushions, the rest cushions, everything was covered. I had to bring in a cleaning company to sanitize the space.”
But the attacks didn’t stop there. On Monday of this week, the school was targeted yet again. “They got in through the louvered windows. They didn’t take much this time, but I found my desk, where I keep important documents, completely soaked,” she said.
The educator, clearly distressed, said the attacks have disrupted daily operations and created anxiety among parents. “One of the break-ins happened on a Thursday night. I had to cancel school on Friday, parents were notified at the last minute. That’s not fair to them. They trust us with their children.”
She added that after a smart TV was stolen shortly after being purchased in 2023, she stopped leaving anything of value on the premises. Still, the break-ins continued.
“This is an institution where we work with children. Even though they come when we’re not there, it’s disturbing. It’s not just my business, it’s about the children, the parents, and the entire community.”
Despite repeated reports to police, there have been no publicized arrests.
“These are not isolated incidents anymore. It’s a pattern,” said one shop owner, whose mini-mart was also burglarized. “It’s like they’ve declared open season on Grande Riviere . If schools and wellness centers are not safe, then what is?”
The community is now calling for increased patrols, stronger police presence, and investment in neighborhood surveillance to combat the trend before it worsens.
Meanwhile, the victims, educators, shopkeepers, healthcare workers, and the youngest members of the community, are left to pick up the pieces. “This is not just about stolen items,” said the school administrator. “It’s about peace of mind. And that’s been stolen too.”
