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ST. CROIX — The Elena Christian Junior High School, located in the former Charles H. Emanuel Elementary School facility was vandalized over the weekend, ECJH Principal Carlos McGregor confirmed to The Consortium this morning. The publication heard of the incident through multiple sources, and visited the school in search of more information.

Once at the school, The Consortium witnessed multiple parents collecting their children, after receiving calls that there would be no classes today because of what had happened. But in a brief talk with Mr. McGregor, the principal told the publication that school would remain in session until 2:30 p.m., which represents a full day.

Floor of vandalized classroom, dirtied with fire extinguisher foam.

Mr. McGregor, well-respected for his efforts in making ECJH one of the more formidable junior high schools here, said five classrooms were vandalized over the weekend, however, himself, along with staff, were able to identify other rooms where students were rerouted to. The principal said VIPD officers were swift in responding to the incident, and Dept. of Education officials also responded promptly, revealing that DOE was sending a cleaning company to tidy the classrooms.

A vandalized restroom inside an affected classroom.

Asked if any equipment of value was stolen, Mr. McGregor said an assessment was being conducted, but he doubted the thieves were able to steal anything of value, as he had directed staff to take home with them computers and other important equipment over the weekend. The directive was given, he said, because there were multiple break-ins in recent times at the school.

Mr. McGregor then led The Consortium to one of the affected classrooms, where draws were left open, and fire extinguisher foam sprayed all over the room — including the restroom and even the walls.

Mr. McGregor said the motive behind the vandalism remains unknown and pointed to idle minds and hands wanting something to do. But the principal said his determination to continue with the education process was undeterred by the latest criminal act.

“It hasn’t affected our school day,” a defiant McGregor said. He went on to thank all involved in making the school day possible.

Feature Image: Vandalized Elena Christian Junior High School classroom.

Image Credit: VIC.

Ernice Gilbert
I wear many hats, I suppose, but the one which fits me best would be journalism, second to that would be radio personality, thirdly singer/songwriter and down the line. I've been the Editor-In-Chief at my videogames website, Gamesthirst, for over 5 years, writing over 7,000 articles and more than 2 million words. I'm also very passionate about where I live, the United States Virgin Islands, and I'm intent on making it a better place by being resourceful and keeping our leaders honest. VI Consortium was birthed out of said desire, hopefully my efforts bear fruit. Reach me at [email protected].