Senator Michael Joseph, the ABLP caretaker for St. John’s Rural West, announced a significant legislative proposal aimed at enhancing child safety in Antigua & Barbuda.

With Labour Day 2025 just around the corner, the community is reminded of the loss of a cherished cheerleader Chantel Crump, which has reignited discussions on the importance of effective response protocols for cases involving missing, lost, or abducted children.

In response to these tragic incidents, Senator Joseph has recommended the establishment of a comprehensive “CHANTEL ALERT” system, designed to prompt immediate action from law enforcement whenever a child goes missing.

This initiative draws inspiration from the United States’ Amber Alert system, which has proven effective in quickly disseminating information to the public when a child is in imminent danger.

“The police have been phenomenal in their actions with apprehending those who perpetrated these heinous acts,” Senator Joseph stated.

​“However, we must identify any gaps and plug them to create a more robust system. Our children’s safety is paramount, and we owe it to our community to ensure that we have protocols in place that can respond efficiently and effectively.”

The proposed CHANTEL ALERT aims not only to strengthen current emergency responses but also to involve the public in the search for missing children, thereby ensuring community vigilance and support during critical moments.

As the proposal moves through the cabinet and into consideration for future legislation, the community remains hopeful that this initiative will foster a safer environment for all children in Antigua & Barbuda.

The tragic events that led to this proposal have deeply affected many. By implementing the CHANTEL ALERT system, the Senate aims to honor the memory of those lost while protecting the future of the nation’s youth.