The recent spate of gun-related incidents in Anguilla has caused residents and other concerned citizens to decry the decadence that now seem to be pervading the island without restraint. Over the past two weeks, at least three shooting incidents have been reported with one fatality.
Among those who have been publicly expressing their dismay are the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, and her colleague and Opposition Member, Mr. Cardigan Connor.
On their radio programme “Just the Facts” on Monday 8th May, 2023, Mrs. Richardson-Hodge bemoaned the murder that took place on Sunday night (May 7th, 2023) – a tragic incident that “came home” to her, having taken place in the vicinity of her residence.
“Last night,” she said, “there was a very unfortunate situation in my constituency, in the Long Path area which resulted in the untimely death of Garman Greenaway, a Customs Officer.”
“I want to put on the record,” Mrs. Richardson-Hodge said, “that we do condemn the shootings that have been taking place, not just the incident that occurred last night, but also the incident that took place on Labour Day and the shooting that took place on the day prior to that.”
“With regard to last night,” she noted, “I know that my community had really been hit hard as a result of the incident being so close to home. A number of persons heard the gunshots ringing out, and the manner in which this death occurred was terrible.”
“What is so concerning,” she said, “is that many of our young people have come to believe that this [kind of behavior pattern] is a way of life. So, they have their guns and carry them around, and one feeds the other, because of course they all feel that they must have a gun to protect themselves. And, before you would know it, we would have a society full of persons carrying guns. So, when they get angry, instead of having a conversation, they reach for the gun.”
“It seems like [some young people] have no regard for life. They do not realize that once they take someone’s life they impact not only the victim, but also their family and friends, their loved ones and the society at large,” she said.” So, it is critical that we get to a stage where we must address the extent of gun violence that is taking place in this country.”
Elected Representative for District Seven, West End, Mr. Connor said, “We would wonder why so many of our youngsters today go around with hatred in their hearts rather than love. They must understand that it is not just about them, but so many people are affected by their actions. Whether it is a beef at school, or whatever may be the cause of the conflict, it should not result in one’s death.”
