The Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce has warned of growing insecurity for businesses following the murder of George ‘Charlie’ Barnes.
Barnes, who owned Charlie’s Service Station, was shot dead outside his Nugent Street home late on Friday night. Police said an unidentified gunman confronted him as he returned home and shot him in the chest. He died at the scene.
Chamber Executive Director Martin Cave said the killing has left the business community shaken. “We’re seeing the scourge of crime and violence mar the image of Antigua as a safe, tranquil place. The business community is in a state of unrest,” he said.
His colleague, Director Celia Samuel, described the murder as a wake-up call. “If they could do that to Charlie, then they could do that to anybody else,” she said.
The Chamber noted that the attack follows the fatal shooting of businessman Roudi Shmali and a recent armed robbery staged through a bogus roadblock.
Both officials extended condolences to Barnes’ family, employees and customers, while urging urgent attention to security.
