Discussions between law enforcement officials regarding Scotland Yard’s involvement in assisting with ongoing murder investigations in Antigua and Barbuda remain ongoing, with no confirmation yet of a formal written agreement securing their assistance.
During the Post-Cabinet press briefing, Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst stated that while talks with Scotland Yard are progressing, the British agency has specific requirements before intervening in local cases.
“Scotland Yard doesn’t wish to come in at the very base level of the investigation. But after the investigation has reached a certain point, they would consider it a waste of their material resources and their human resources,” Hurst explained.
He added that Antiguan authorities are working to collect sufficient evidencebefore Scotland Yard’s involvement becomes viable. However, when asked whether Scotland Yard had officially agreed in writing to assist, Hurst was unable to confirm.
“I cannot confirm that it was in writing. But I do know that the policemen who came to the Cabinet yesterday indicated that discussions with Scotland Yard are continuing,” he said.
The government first announced on November 8 that it had reached out to Scotland Yard for assistance, particularly in connection with the murders of Kasia James and 16-year-old Yanifa. However, with no clear timeline for Scotland Yard’s engagement, questions remain over when and how their expertise will contribute to solving these high-profile cases.
