Over the past six years, Antigua has seen a troubling pattern of disappearances, with at least nine cases reported in just the last two years. Families are left in despair, questioning the police's ability to investigate, and some fear organized crime may be at play. As community members push for transparency and more resources, the government acknowledges room for improvement.
Disappearances Crisis Haunts Antigua: Families Demand Answers
Disappearances Crisis Haunts Antigua: Families Demand Answers
The Caribbean island of Antigua grapples with an alarming rise in mysterious disappearances, prompting fears of a crisis and calls for urgent action from authorities.
Residents of Antigua, a small Caribbean island, are living in increasing fear and uncertainty following an alarming rise in mysterious disappearances. Families of missing individuals are desperate for answers, while public outcry grows over the perceived inadequacy of police investigations.
Among the most heart-wrenching cases is that of Hyacinth Gage, a 74-year-old woman who disappeared in May 2019 after going for a routine hospital check-up. Her daughter, Patricia Joseph, describes the ongoing mental anguish of not knowing what happened to her mother, expressing her anguish on the anniversaries of her disappearance and planning for her 80th birthday celebration, which was instead marked by grief.
In the last two years alone, at least nine individuals have vanished from the island—a rate that many locals perceive as disproportionately high compared to neighboring territories. In St. Kitts, for example, a population of around 48,000 reported only two unresolved cases among their missing persons in recent years, underlining the severity of Antigua's situation.
As speculations swirl regarding the reasons behind these disappearances, ranging from inadequate police resources to potential sinister activities such as organ trafficking, Acting Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers admits there is "room for improvement" in their operations. Despite these concerns, he emphasizes that rumors should not eclipse the need for an open investigation into all possibilities, including criminal undercurrents.
Tragic incidents such as the murder of nine-year-old Chantel Crump have fueled public outcry over the safety of residents and tourists alike. Following Chantel's death, which led to a woman's arrest, there have been heightened fears about firsthand knowledge concerning the welfare of others who have gone missing.
Families like that of Roman Mussabekov, a Russian-Canadian tourist last seen in Antigua in 2017, remain hopeful, yet increasingly distressed over the lack of answers. The growing number of disappearances—almost 60 since 2010—reflect a sobering reality where men account for two-thirds of reported cases, which have involved individuals ranging from teenagers to those in their late 70s.
The challenges facing local law enforcement are considerable; they struggle without a dedicated forensic lab, compelling them to send DNA samples overseas for analysis, thus delaying investigations. However, plans are in place for a new lab to become operational soon, which could enhance investigative capabilities.
Amid this crisis, residents like Alline Henry, who misses her childhood friend Orden David—missing after a night out—draw attention to the issues of mistrust towards local authorities, citing fears that some individuals may be targeted because of their sexual orientation or political involvement.
With unresolved cases littered throughout the island's history, including the mysterious case of Gregory Bailey’s son, who disappeared in August 2022, many families echo a shared sentiment of frustration over insufficient police communication. They seek a government commitment to meaningful action, asserting that efforts are futile without adequate resources and a collaborative approach from the community.
The government has pledged to take more decisive measures, including establishing a missing persons task force, yet the urgency might test the patience of families yearning for closure. Patricia Joseph's call for immediate intervention outlines the stakes involved, urging authorities to reassess their approach before another family is plunged into the heartbreaking uncertainty of a loved one's disappearance.
