Principal of the Sandy Bank Infant School in Treasure Beach St. Elizabeth, Erna Blackneil has described this morning’s (December 7) murder of one of the school’s teachers, as ruthless.

28-year old Chanel Smith was gunned down by two men at about 7:55 a.m., at the school gate.

Speaking with Irie Fm News, Ms. Blackneil described the late teacher as a quiet and easy going person.

She said the students, staff and parents are traumatized by the incident.

The Principal said grief counselling is being done.

Meantime, Ms. Blackneil noted that school will be out of session tomorrow (December 8) to facilitate additional grief support.

And, Education Minister Fayval Williams has condemned as dastardly, barbaric and cowardly, the shooting death of Smith.

Mrs. Williams says the attack in the precincts of the school, while students and teachers were on the compound is particularly disturbing and represents an attack on the society as a whole.

She says this is even more shameful, considering that the school is attended by students at the early childhood level.

The Ministry’s Education Officer, Safety and Security Coordinator, Guidance Counsellors from Sandy Bank Primary and Infant and Mayfield Primary Schools, and other stakeholders have rallied to provide grief counselling and support to the school family.

And the Jamaica Teachers Association, JTA, has condemned what it describes as an attack on the nation’s teachers.

This follows this morning’s murder of school teacher, Chanel Smith.

Speaking with Irie Fm News, Mr. Smith said the association is shaken by the incident.

He noted that there have been other recent attacks against the nation’s teachers.