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LMR is erecting the third and largest memorial to the deceased 9-year-old Chantel Crump, who was kidnapped and found in the vicinity of Wetherills earlier this month. (Photos by Makeida Antonio)
By Makeida Antonio
A local businessman, Ludwig Reynolds, is advocating for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to grant an official funeral for 9-year-old Chantel Crump, following her tragic death that has deeply affected the nation.
As the head of LMR Advertising, Reynolds emphasized the need for a significant gesture from the government, expressing that this situation calls for “something historical” to honor the young girl’s memory.
In an exclusive interview with Antigua.News, Reynolds stated, “I am still calling on the government to produce an official funeral. Give her an official funeral, allow all the schools on the island to participate. Every school can send a class and allow the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board to be involved.”
He told Antigua.news that he has engaged in several discussions to seek assistance for Chantel’s family and the community, stressing the urgency for a collective response to this tragedy.
Reynolds reminisced about previous memorials, noting, “I just made a call for the country’s steelpan icon Freeland, but he was put away. It is unfortunate but it is still early.”
He pointed out the need for attention to be given to Chantel’s case, especially considering her family’s economically challenged background.
He mentioned to Antigua.news that reaching out to contacts in New York regarding an official funeral for the young girl, highlighting the significance of having a memorial event at the Antigua Recreation Grounds.
Known for memorializing prominent community figures, LMR is preparing to install a new memorial for Chantel, which will be the largest to date.
The memorial will be located near Five Islands Primary School, where students will be encouraged to contribute toys and other meaningful items.
“We put up a lot of memorials. This is just the latest we are putting up, a 9-year-old friend whose life has been taken away,” Reynolds explained.
Chantel Crump’s life was cut short when she was kidnapped on March 12 by 20-year-old Angela Mejia, who was apprehended shortly after the incident.
Mejia has been charged with the brutal murder of the young girl and is currently remanded in His Majesty’s Prison, with her court appearance set for June.
Now I’m back bawling my eyeballs out reading this article. Rest in peace dear Chantel and may God comfort your family and us all. We will not rest until justice is served.
Justice for Chatel.
Justice for Nigel Christian and Chantel Crump.
Good initiative. I dont know if the government would even consider this official funeral but it would be quite fitting. What would also be fitting is for that Angela to DIE
The government should lock down the whole country on that day. Anything less than that is insensitive. No school on that day. National day of mourning
Loving the togetherness of everyone. Chantel deserves an official funerak. Police escort and all that is there
Official funeral? ok
Well done lmr, she in her death, has done more than many of us alive.. She brought us together justice must be done
YES! She should be given an official funeral! The government better consider this and give her what she deserve
Antiguan people always want to overdue stuff,like they really give a crap about anyone.
I support it but if it happens it happens if it doesnt it doesn’t.