Letter to the Editor: Demand Accountability, Debunk the Politics

Dear Editor,

It is beyond troubling to watch the politicization of UPP hopeful Wayne Marsh’s report of being shot at over a week ago. Instead of conducting a thorough investigation, the response has been laced with dismissive allegations and political jousting. Former Police Commissioner Rolston Pompey’s claim that the report was unsubstantiated does nothing but fan the flames of distrust in our already fragile justice system.

A video is circulating, showing Marsh quickly ducking his head while those with him shine flashlights to investigate. But let’s be honest—how does a poor-quality video suddenly determine what actually happened? What exactly are we supposed to be looking for? Does it require blood or a body for our police force to take an investigation seriously? If that’s the case, we should all be terrified.

Pompey warns that careless language could inflame public sentiment and distort the truth. But let’s not pretend that this warning offers any comfort to the countless families still awaiting “the truth” about their murdered or missing loved ones. In Antigua and Barbuda, justice moves at a snail’s pace while criticism and blame race ahead at lightning speed.

We get so caught up in the chatter of who said what, but the real focus should be on what is actually being done—and frankly, it doesn’t seem like much. Public sentiment isn’t just inflamed by headlines; it burns from years of witnessing a police force that fails to inspire confidence or produce results. Too many cases remain cold, too many victims forgotten.

Let’s not sugarcoat the reality. Crime is real in this country, and we are all potential victims. Life is precious, and the bare minimum we should expect from law enforcement is competence and impartiality. Whether Marsh’s incident was politically motivated or not is irrelevant—an investigation is required. Violence against anyone, regardless of party lines, must be treated with urgency.

The police force has a duty to serve and protect—not deflect and dismiss. Antigua and Barbuda deserve better. We must demand accountability, not let political divisions or incompetence erode our right to safety and justice.

Sincerely,
Crime victim awaiting justice