Prime Minister Gaston Browne has condemned the killing of well-known businessman George “Charlie” Barnes, describing it as a “senseless” act of violence.
Mr Barnes, a respected petrol station proprietor, was gunned down outside his home in Ottos on Friday night. Police have launched a major investigation into the attack.
Speaking in the aftermath, Mr Browne offered condolences to the family and said the incident highlighted the urgent need to tackle crime and violence.
“Someone, or maybe a group of individuals, stuffed out his life senselessly. I mean that is just so unfortunate. Someone who is well known to many of us,” the Prime Minister said.
He acknowledged that while there had been recent successes in reducing crime, more investment was needed. He revealed that the government is finalising negotiations to install an islandwide surveillance system.
“We are just about to conclude a deal in which we have this camera system with 200 cameras that we will be deploying islandwide to provide greater surveillance,” he said, adding that new capabilities within the Defence Force would help track criminal elements.
The Prime Minister said the killing was especially tragic as it came just after the National Day of Prayer, underscoring the persistence of “criminal elements who are unempathetic and prepared to maim and to kill rather than engage in productive work.”
He concluded by extending condolences on behalf of the government and reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security measures across Antigua and Barbuda.
