Residents and friends of Anguilla are demanding stronger action to address growing safety concerns after two people were killed in shootings on Friday, 9 May.
The tragic incidents have sparked widespread calls for more stringent measures to curb gun violence on the island – such as a police lockdown, evening curfew or calling an official state of emergency.
Many are also demanding increased police presence and external support to restore a sense of safety and prevent future tragedies.
As investigations into the crimes continue, the public is urging police and government officials to prioritise security and take decisive steps to prevent further bloodshed.
Deadly day
On 9 May, Rashe Hodge, 31, of The Farrington was killed sometime around 11.30am in West End, and 22-year-old Jaheim Gumbs of North Side was shot at about 7.50pm in the North Valley area.
The shootings came just days after an 18-year-old was shot multiple times at Blowing Point Ferry Terminal at about 3.40pm on Tuesday, 6 May.
In response to the recent shootings, social media has been flooded with expressions of concern and urgent calls for stronger action.
One person wrote: “Time to shut down the island and start searching every car”, while another agreed, saying: “Lock the whole place down.”
Several people have also called for a nighttime curfew, with one writing: “A definite curfew needs to be in place temporarily until this is under control.”
However, others argued that two of this week’s shootings occurred during the day, so a curfew would be ineffective.
International help
Some people suggested bringing in external support, improving infrastructure, or reforming the justice system
One person said: “Call in international law enforcement agencies to help you. This is unprecedented!” with another saying: “AXA needs to recruit, train, hire and promote real LE officers to get a grip on this fast.”
Directly addressing local police, one commenter wrote: “Get this under control! Call in more help! This is an emergency,” with several others asking for an official state of emergency to be put in place.
There were also calls for stricter detention policies: “Once someone has been to court. Don’t let them out. Build another prison if there’s not enough space.”
Another suggested deploying advanced technology: “Apply cellphone surveillance technology on every resident using IMSI catchers, cell site simulators or mobile device identifiers.”
A community effort
A common theme in the comments was that members of the public may have information but are reluctant to share it with police due to fear of retaliation or a lack of trust in the system.
One person proposed offering cash rewards for information leading to arrests.
Another offered a series of suggestions: “Tighten up our borders, more road blocks and foot patrols, more community policing, bring back neighbourhood sports, each cop adopt and mentor a child.”
One post captured the broader public sentiment: “Parents, government, civil society, let’s unite and arrest this situation immediately. This turf war must end now. Young men, put the guns down.
“Citizens, if you see something, say something. Let’s act swiftly and decisively to eliminate this escalating gun violence.”
Anguilla has recorded seven homicides so far this year, with no charges laid to date. Six homicides were recorded in 2024, with charges brought in just one of those cases.
Anyone with information on criminal activity in Anguilla can call (264) 497-2333 or 497-5333, or leave an anonymous message, video or photo at secureaxa.com
Information from the website is stored in a secure location in California where access to it is tightly controlled.
