Governor Julia Crouch – who oversees internal security in Anguilla – is in London for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s annual Heads of Mission Conference.
The conference brings together senior diplomats and representatives from across the UK’s overseas missions to discuss key foreign policy priorities and share best practices.
Amid a week marked by rising violence in Anguilla, the governor is expected to engage with UK and Caribbean officials to explore opportunities for support and collaboration.
In a joint statement following another homicide on 1 July, Premier Cora Richardson Hodge and Acting Governor Perin Bradley said she will be discussing matters related to security.
“Her continued advocacy underscores the seriousness with which we are addressing the challenges to public safety and our determination to strengthen our collective response,” it read.
Fatal shootings
Over the past week, Anguilla has tragically lost three men to fatal shootings, highlighting a disturbing rise in violence on the island.
On 24 June, Jarmarie Richardson, 36, of Pond Ground was found dead inside a vehicle near Sile Bay beach with suspected gunshot wounds.
Twenty-five-year-old Pajal Liburd from Rey Hill was fatally shot in a convenience store opposite Sol Gas Station on Albert Lake Drive in The Valley on 27 June.
Then on the morning of 1 July, a man was found dead in the Mount Fortune area of East End following reports of a shooting.
The joint statement said: “On behalf of the government and people of Anguilla, we extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones during this time of profound grief.
“This act of violence is a painful reminder of the urgent need to stand together as a society to combat criminal activity and to protect the values of peace, safety, and mutual respect that underpin our way of life.”
Shared responsibility
The premier and acting governor condemned what they described as a “senseless killing” and reaffirmed their joint commitment to ensuring those responsible are brought “swiftly and decisively” to justice.
They urged anyone with relevant information to assist the Royal Anguilla Police Force in their ongoing investigation.
“Now more than ever, we must embrace our shared responsibility to uphold the rule of law and to support our law enforcement officers in their critical work,” they said.
They addressed Anguilla’s young men: “To our youth, we say this: your lives are valuable, your voices matter, and there is a future worth striving for.
“We urge you to turn away from violence and to help build a society grounded in respect, opportunity, and peace.”
The statement called on residents to remain calm, to support the authorities in their investigations, and to come together as one community – “to ensure that such tragedies do not define us”.
Anyone with information on any criminal activity in Anguilla can call (264) 497-2333 or 497-5333, or leave an anonymous message, video or photo at secureaxa.com
Information from the website is stored in a secure location in California where access to it is tightly controlled.
