The Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) yesterday expressed outrage at the armed robbery of overseas volunteers at the Mannings Hill Road, St Andrew, compound of the Salvation Army.

"The members of the volunteer sector are deeply saddened by this attack and urge the police to move swiftly to book the criminals," said CVSS Chairman Carlton Levy in a statement to the media.

Around 2:30 a.m. Monday, three gunmen broke into the facility, robbing 39 volunteers from an overseas missionary team of cash, cellphones and other valuables.

Levy said the attack on the century-old organisation was particularly disturbing because the Salvation Army exists to help society's poor, homeless, hungry and blind.

Redouble efforts

He said, in order to minimise the damage to Jamaica's image in the global community, the police should redouble their efforts to apprehend those responsible in the shortest possible time.

Levy noted that the non-governmental sector thrived on the support it receives from international donors and volunteers who donate their time and effort to improving the lives of the poor.

"The robbers did not only steal from the overseas volunteers, they also stole from their community and the impact will be felt by the most vulnerable among us," said Levy.