The government will lend the necessary support to the family and friends of Shante and in particular the students of her school, the Charlestown Secondary School, which is scheduled to open on Monday.
The preliminary reports of the circumstances of this death suggest the commission of a most heinous crime. More importantly however, this tragic event violates the sacred values we as a Nevisian society hold dear. Our children are our island’s greatest asset. We must at all times and at all cost protect them.
The police have been out in their numbers to begin their investigative work. I appeal to our Nevisian community to support the police and assist them in every way to ensure that the family of young Shante obtains swift justice. I wish to underscore your Government’s unwavering resolve in its fight against crime and violence in our little island.
I also urge members of the Jessups and wider Nevisian community at home and abroad to reach out to the family to support them in every way. May we as an island keep them ceaselessly in our prayers.
I have earlier this evening briefed the Honourable Premier of these tragic developments and on behalf of the Nevis Island Administration I express deepest condolences to the family particularly her Mother and Father as well as siblings at this time.
May God strengthen our resolve to root out criminality in our midst and may He help us once again in our island to become our brother’s keeper. May He guide and guard us even now in our hour of bereavement and loss.
Honourable Mark Brantley
Premier (Ag)
Nevis Island Administration
6th September, 2014