As the nation is overcome with grief and sorrow following the tragic outcome of the search for nine-year-old Chantel Crump, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition have both condemned the act.
According to Browne, the information terrified him having earlier “joined in prayer with his spouse to seek God’s protection of the missing nine-year old”.
The PM, in extending condolences to Crump’s family, commended members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda for their quick action in apprehending a suspect in their efforts to bring the child’s killer to justice.
A 20-year-old woman has been charged with the murder.
“The Prime Minister relays his sad condolences to the mother and father of Chantel Crump, her many other family relations, her school friends, and to the entire nation over this senseless act of cruelty and disregard for the life of an innocent child.
“The members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda have done a creditable job in pursuing all leads and have come to this conclusion based on evidence. The Police will relay their findings to the nation in the waking hours of Saturday morning … when the details will be revealed,” the statement read.
Browne said that the nation does not condone such a cruel and inhumane act, as he noted that the entire population is eager to see the perpetrators being brought to justice.
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle also extended condolences to the bereaved parents, siblings, and extended family.
Pringle said that the nine year old has become “the nation’s daughter” due to her tragic loss which has touched every member of the country.
“…We stand united in grief, mourning together as one national family. The murder of a child is unconscionable. We condemn those responsible for this terrible crime, which our society must ensure never happens again. Every child, every citizen, and every resident of this country has the fundamental right to live in peace, safety, and security.
“Already, too many families bear the wounds of unresolved tragedy and absence of closure. Therefore, I call upon Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Public Safety Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, and all Police authorities to commit every available resource to investigating this outrageous act,” Pringle, who is also political leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), urged.
The Opposition Leader, like many others thanked the police, led by Acting Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers, for the hard work done in solving this case.
Pringle is also calling for accountability while demanding that “anyone involved in this atrocity, directly or indirectly, be swiftly brought to justice.”
Chantel was abducted about 100 feet from her home after disembarking a school bus with friends on Wednesday.
She was lured into a vehicle by a female occupant, and following three days of searches her body was found in the Weatherills area.
