Local Businessman Calls for Official Funeral for Chantel Crump

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.