A picket held to underscore the fear and insecurity of the Nation took place in virtual silence yesterday, July 14, in front of the Attorney-General’s Office.
In the shadow of the High Court of Justice, dozens of silent residents held placards in mute protest over last Friday’s killing of Nigel Christian.
The “mourners” included Christian’s relatives; workers from the Customs Department; Opposition Party figures; and other outraged residents, including family members of two other men – one murdered months ago in Potters and the other missing without a trace for more than a year.
The action was staged by a group identified as “Concerned Citizens,” whose aim was to highlight the need for outside help in the investigation of Christian’s murder.
In a letter delivered to AG Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, the group says: “Based on the magnitude, brazenness and complexity of this case, we are of the view that the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda needs outside professional assistance to solve this outrageous crime.”
Accordingly, they recommend that help be sought from “Britain’s Scotland Yard, the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).”
The letter is signed by organizers and social activists Dr. Jacqui Quinn and Mary John.
“I am very satisfied with not only the turnout of just over 100 persons, but also because of its peaceful nature. No party colours were allowed, because our picket was by no means a political event, but a national event…,” John tells REAL News.
“Our placards and slogans expressed our outrage at the mafia-type assassination of Customs Officer Nigel Christian, eight months after the ambush and shooting of the first customs officer, Cornell Benjamin. Our fear is who could be next, and we are of the opinion that international assistance is urgently needed,” she explains.
The letter tells Minister Benjamin that “Sunday’s assurances from the Police top brass have done little to allay the fears of the citizenry. We believe that the tools, resources, forensic expertise and professional competence needed in this case are not available to the local Force, and this view is widely shared across the Nation and even within the ranks of the Police, themselves.”
Based on this, the Concerned Citizens urge Benjamin to “make a formal request for assistance” from international investigators.
The sombre protesters – who shouted accusations when Bejamin briefly appeared – apparently share the concerns of the organizers.
“There is no question in my mind that the Commissioner – acting upon instructions from the PM and AG – is creating excuses not to request assistance from international agencies,” one picketer tells our News Room.
“This adds to the reasons why the Government has a lot to hide and is, again, attempting to cover up – this time, an assassination,” the woman adds.
Not surprisingly, one of the placards on display read: “No more lives for cover-ups,” while another, carried by a child, stated, “We want to feel safe in our homes.”
But most telling of all was the placard that simply said: “Nigel can’t breathe….”
