The public will see an increased police presence in Anguilla over the coming days, according to the Governor’s Office.
The move comes following the shooting of an 18-year-old man at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal on 6 May, which also left a bystander injured.
This morning, 8 May, Governor Julia Crouch chaired a meeting of the National Security Council to address the incident.
The council considers at a strategic level any issue that presents a security risk to the infrastructure or social structure of the territory.
During the meeting, Commissioner of Police Robert Clark updated ministers on the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the Governor’s Office said in a press release.
He also spoke about the steps being taken by the Royal Anguilla Police Force to identify and arrest the two suspects and mitigate the risk of retaliatory action.
‘A top priority’
“This incident is a top priority for the RAPF,” the Governor’s Office said.
“The commissioner has directed all available resources to be deployed on this investigation and provide public protection and reassurance.
“The public can expect to see a heightened visible police presence in the coming days.”
According to the press release, Clark thanked those members of the public who already assisted the police force with the investigation and provided valuable information.
It went on to say that the governor expressed her deep appreciation for the actions of police officers who provided life-saving first aid at the scene.
She also thanked the emergency medical services for their swift response and to those at the ferry terminal who rendered assistance.
Two suspects
Police released images of two people believed to be connected to the shooting on 7 May.
The pictures show two masked individuals running away from the scene and carrying what appears to be handguns.
The first suspect is slim built and wearing all dark colours, including a mask, hat, hooded sweatshirt, trousers and shoes.
The second suspect also appears to be slim built, with a black mask and hooded sweatshirt. They are also wearing light trousers, dark socks and white trainers.
“As investigations continue, we are urging anyone who may recognise these individuals or have information that can assist police inquiries to come forward immediately,” a police statement said.
“This is the time for Anguilla to come together against those who threaten public safety and put at risk the thriving tourist economy that so many Anguillians rely on for their livelihoods,” the Governor’s Office said.
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.
It is very important to have a strategic meeting on gun violence but it would be beneficial to not let any more illegal guns enter the island. A task force [should be set up and] anyone caught with an illegal weapon should get 10 years in prison.
Anguilla is too small of an island to have all that killing going on.