Cabinet approves new emergency system, Chantel Alert

The Chantel Alert will soon be implemented in Antigua and Barbuda.

Cabinet accepted the proposal for the emergency message sending system to notify the public when persons go 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.

Senator Michael Joseph made the recommendation for its establishment in light if the tragic abduction and murder of nine-year-old Grays Green resident Chantel Crump.

Crump’s lifeless body was found in some bushes on the Weatherills Estate last Saturday morning, leaving the nation in a state of shock and grief.

It is alleged that Crump was abducted in a Honda car on Number 2 George Street in Grays Farm on Wednesday afternoon, just as the Five Islands Primary student was making her way home from school.

In addition to this, several other security measures will be taken.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, during his weekend radio address, outlined plans to enhance surveillance capabilities through the expansion of security cameras throughout Antigua and Barbuda, highlighting the need for improved crime detection.

The government is in the process of developing a new forensic laboratory in Coolidge, aided by support from the People’s Republic of China.

This facility will enable local processing of evidence, eliminating the need to send samples abroad for testing.

Meanwhile, investigations are continuing into the nine-year-old’s abduction and murder case.

 The accused, Angela Mejia, charged with the murder of 9-year-old Chantel Crump, was heavily guarded and wore a bulletproof vest as she was remanded for another week.

The 20-year-old made another court appearance this week.

This procedure follows Section 239 of the Magistrate’s Code of Procedure Act, which states that a prisoner should not be remanded for more than eight clear days at a time.

The male suspect remains in police custody.

A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Thursday April 17 at 5pm in Crump’s honor and will begin at the Keithley Sheppard Recreation Park formerly King George V Grounds.