Editorial Staff
22/03/25 14:56

Editorial Staff
22/03/25 14:56

Parents Adjust Daily Routines to Ensure Safety Following Tragic Murder of 9-Year-Old Chantel Crump

You can now listen to Antigua News articles!

Schoolgirl with mom waiting at the bus stop (istockphoto)

In wake of the abduction and tragic murder of 9-year-old Chantel Crump, parents across the nation have drastically changed their daily routines to prioritize their children’s safety. What was once a simple commute to and from school, now involves parents walking their children to bus stops, waiting for the bus to arrive, and in some cases, staying until the bus departs.

The murder of Chantel Crump, whose body was found in the bushes of the Weatherills area, after she was abducted while walking home on the afternoon of March 12th, has left families terrified and deeply shaken. The community, once a place where children could travel to school with a sense of independence, is now filled with caution and heightened awareness.

“I am afraid to let my child walk alone on the streets,” one mother said to Antigua.News, who now accompanies her 8-year-old to the bus stop every morning. “Since what happened to Chantel, I just can’t take the risk. I wait until the bus reach and leave before I head home. That’s the only way I will feel at ease.”

For many parents across the island, the fear of this tragedy happening to their own child has led to a complete change in their daily routines. Instead of sending their children off with a packed bag and a simple goodbye, parents are seen standing with them at the bus stop, making sure they are safely on the bus before heading back home or to work.

The sense of vigilance is not limited to the mornings; parents are also waiting for their children at the end of the school day, standing at the bus stop until their child is safely returned home.

“I need to see them getting off that bus, and I need to make sure they’re safe,” said another parent, “I’m not really worried about them on the bus, this is about them walking to the bus stop, waiting on the bus and having to walk back home all alone.”

The impact of Chantel’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, prompting calls for better safety measures.

Local authorities and school officials have been urged to review safety protocols, with many parents calling for increased surveillance and better security around bus stops.

What once was a daily routine has now become an act of care and protection. The fear that gripped the community following Chantel Crump’s death is palpable, but so too is the determination of parents to keep their children safe.

As the investigation into Chantel’s murder continues, one thing is clear: the way this community looks after its children will never be the same.

11 Comments

  1. Rhea

    As these parents should. we have to protect our own at all cost possible. clearly the police or government don’t care so we have too!!!

    Reply
  2. Antigua Surf

    This should not have only been happening now. However, I strongly agree with the parents. we can’t just be laid back about our children and what is happening in the society today. we have to take a stand and protect our kids at all cost.

    Reply
  3. Faithful National #1

    Parents need to, instead, organize massive demonstrations to force the powers that be to force the powers that be to explain why one week after finding Chantel Crump’s discarded remains, obvious key participants have not yet been charged with her murder! Sure, your children are as important to you as Chantel was to her parents and family. DO NOT SETTLE FOR TRINKETS.
    JUSTICE FOR CHANTEL NOW!

    Reply
  4. Boss Lady

    Set ah lazy people..in all of Antigua bus stations or school bus stops tht picture yall thought was best suitable…C’mom.. Smh..

    Reply
  5. Michael S Applewhaite

    This situation has caused parents to sit up and take notice of the vulnerability of they love ones. Some parents work and policing this issue can become buedensome. Reliable and responsible adults within the varying communities who for whatever reason is unemployed can coordinate with parents and become a chaperone for these kids. Some parents travel to work early Some finish late and this is where the community spirit can come into play. Whatever must be done to protect these vulnerable children should be seriously considered . It maybe children today what happens when the dynamics change to the elderly or young females. The time to be our brothers keeper is now. Please Act don’t Talk.

    Reply
  6. Antigua is Home!

    The criminals needs to walk with the police, judge and magistrate children. They will then make more humane decisions.

    Sleep in peace Chantel Crump!

    Reply
  7. Romeo

    Every time I read about this, I get upset and aggravated. Justice for Chantel!!

    Reply
  8. Curious

    Parents should keep their children in they eyesight as much as possible don’t send then to the shop alone try to see them off on the bus or get a bus to pick them our try protecting them as much as possible the parents who work early or late should try to put something in place to keep they kids safe

    Reply
    • Faithful National #1

      @Boss Lady
      Nailed it! Couldn’t agree with you more. Antigua is not a real place! Really dumb poster selection for many, many reasons! JUSTICE FOR CHANTEL CRUMP, NOW!

      Reply
  9. Unruly One

    Yes I agree with this. Would be wise to do so.

    Reply
  10. Juju Bee

    Better late than never I guess. Antigua news what kind of picture is that

    Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Antigua News !
Privacy summary

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best possible user experience. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our site or helping our team understand which parts of the site you find most interesting and useful. More information in Privacy Policy