ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Oct 21, CMC – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on “all criminals” in Antigua and Barbuda to “put down their guns” as he urged no “reprisal” in Tuesday’s double killing of tw members of the Rastafari Community.
“Calling on all the criminals to put down their guns, failing which, your future will be at least 30 years in jail or an early grave. Take your pick; choose wisely,” Browne wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday.
It followed an earlier post in which he indicated that he was on a flight from from Singapore to London, “where I read about the senseless double homicide of two members of the Rastafari Community.
“My sympathy and prayers go out to Ras Selah, whose daughter was reported as one of the victims. Selah, we know it’s very difficult for you to be predeceased by a child, however, please remain strong and don’t be influenced into any reprisal.
“Continue to soldier on and be assured that we continue to stand in solidarity with you and the Niabinghi family,” Browne wrote.
In a statement, the police said they are investigating the double homicide at Creek Side on Tuesday afternoon, identifying the “victims” as a 49-year-old and an 18 year-old woman.
The police said that preliminary reports indicate that on Tuesday afternoon, a vehicle carrying several occupants, drove into the area and stopped in front of a shop.
“It is alleged that more than one occupant exited the vehicle armed with firearms and opened fire, striking both victims multiple times. Both victimes reportedly sustained several gunshot wounds about their bodies and were transported to hospital, where they were subsequently pronunced dead,” the police said in the statement.
The police are appealing to “anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist with the ongoing investigation to contact the Criminal Investigation Department”.
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