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21-year-old Thomas Christopher Vasquez
By Cory Wayland
Corysawayland@icloud
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that the missing young man, Thomas Vasquez, has a history of entering the country by air and clandestinely leaving by boat.
Thomas arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on April 14 and has not been seen or heard from since.
In response to an article circulating online, Browne indicated that Vasquez is linked to the trafficking of marijuana from an illegal farm where he had worked in Antigua.
He expressed hope for the Trinidadian youth’s safe return but stressed that there is no evidence that he went missing within the country.
“He has previously entered Antigua by plane and left clandestinely by boat, likely involved in the marijuana trade,” he stated. “
“While we empathize with his mother and hope for his safe return, it’s important to acknowledge the facts. I always speak the unvarnished truth without fear of repercussions,” he said
On May 7, heavily armed officers conducted a search of the property associated with the case, resulting in the arrest of several individuals.
Among those detained was a woman thought to have communicated with Vasquez on the night he arrived, as well as a senior staff member and a young woman from the marijuana farm where he had worked.
The woman was released the same day, but the senior male employee remains in custody without charges, which has fueled further speculation about Vasquez’s disappearance.
Authorities had previously searched the English Harbour Marina for a boat believed to be relevant to the investigation, but the vessel was not located.
Reports suggest that the boat belongs to an associate of the detained senior employee. Vasquez was reported missing on April 15, a day after he returned to Antigua to continue his work.
Witnesses noted that after arriving, Vasquez spent the evening at a local bar and stayed overnight at a couple’s home.
The next day, although he was seen on the farm, he vanished by nightfall.
Adding to the situation’s complexity is the recent murder of another farm worker, Jahkeem Browne, who was found shot dead on March 24, just weeks prior to Vasquez’s disappearance.
Notably, Browne’s mother has publicly challenged the assertion that her son was employed at the same farm as Vasquez.
Wow…PM Browne is really a straight shooter. Lay it on. PM train your police officers to be as bold and outspoken and honest like you
So you’re basically saying the he could be lost out at sea? So why didn’t we have defense force out there if you knew dis Mr. PM?
This young man could be anywhere. Why all the blue people do is blame people?,
The mystery deepens and the saga continues
The saga continues and the mystery deepens
Just a sad story. Seems like another case of Passo. Condolences to you Ms. Vasquez
This is terrible
The guy was a drug runner
The prime minister should apologize to this poor mother
Why?
So all this time, Gaston knew this man was trafficking drugs? However only now he’s missing things are unfolding? Hmmm
See the blame entirely on the Antiguan government and people. Who said we had a roll in this young man’s disappearance? I’m so glad that Gaston has laid it out for the UPP workers. Duppy know who fi fricken
I read some comments from this boys mother and it broke my heart. As mothers we have to understand also that our children are no saints. We have to point out wrong when they do wrong. Sorry miss CIndy…We have to be honest with each other.
How is it that the PM know all this about this situation and the pow pow silent on the matter. I dont judge people but from the look of thiings he could be anywhere and anyone could have committed this crime.
This is not a case about missing person. This is a matter of you live by the drugs you die by it.