Students attending a New Kingston-based institution received the shock of their lives yesterday morning when they arrived to find the school gates closed and the classrooms empty.

Reports are that the operator of Global Hospitality and Career Development, located on Holborn Road, left the island for Miami without informing the students and teachers.

The school offered courses in cosmetology, hospitality, catering and nursing.

"We have been pressured for school fees, even endure financial embarrassment to come up with it, and now this," said Yolanda Grundy, a student.

Calls to the number listed for the institution yesterday went unanswered. The school's website has also been closed down.

Information officer at the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ), Thelma Stubbs, yesterday told The Gleaner that the school was not among the UCJ's list of registered institutions.

Teacher clueless

A teacher employed to the school yesterday said he knew nothing of the operator's departure and was surprised when he turned up to find the school closed.

"I was told not to come to school this morning because a threat was made yesterday," he said.

"However, when we came, nothing was there. We spoke with him (the operator) this morning and he said that he will be trying to give back students their money, as well as try to seek jobs overseas for students."

Special Sergeant Lascelles Burke of the New Kingston Police Post told The Gleaner that after reports were taken from the students, a full investigation would be launched.

A student who said she paid $105,000 to obtain training and placement at a job overseas believes her future is uncertain.

"I don't know what to do because all my heart was set to go on the travel programme," she said.