Community Advocate Condemns Murder of Businessman George “Charlie” Barnes
Community advocate Jermaine N. Edwards of St. John’s Rural South has expressed deep grief and outrage over the fatal shooting of well-known businessman George “Charlie” Barnes, describing the act as “tragic, senseless, and wholly unacceptable.”
Barnes, the 74-year-old owner of Charlie’s Gas Station on Sir Sidney Walling Highway, was gunned down outside his Ottos Newtown home on Friday night. Police have since launched an investigation.
In a statement released on Saturday, Edwards said she had known Barnes personally for many years and remembered him as “a strong individual of conviction, hardworking, approachable, and always willing to engage in meaningful conversation.” She added that Barnes’ life was undeserving of such a violent end, which has left his family and community in mourning.
Edwards stressed that the impact of such crimes extends beyond the immediate victim. “When such tragedies occur, they do not only strike one family, they send ripples of fear through every household. If it can happen to one of us, it can happen to any of us, and that reality is deeply disturbing” she said.
The community advocate extended condolences to the Barnes family and urged anyone with information to assist police. “Silence protects no one but those who perpetrate violence,” she said, stressing that every citizen has a responsibility to help bring justice.
Edwards further called for unity, vigilance, and resilience in the face of such crimes. “We must be vigilant, protect each other, and refuse to allow senseless acts like this to define our way of life. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to building a society where every individual,our families, neighbors, and friends, can live free from fear,” she said.
Police continue to appeal for information as investigations into Barnes’ killing continue.
Tragic, senseless, unacceptable YET NOTHING WILL BE DONE!!
The people wont take to the streets and demand answers from the prime minister and attorney general. You will hear the usual noises, but this senseless murder will just join the long list of unsolved murders in Antigua.
Crime is every where. Barnes is my cousin. Love him dearly. But who is at falt in this? Please don’t turn my cousin death into politics. After a lovely Day of prayer. Now this? Very sad and shameful. The Devil 😈 😫 is a layer, get the behind me Satan.
Can i send my condemnation letter to be published as well?
Ofcourse you can, your letter can be sent to [email protected]. At Antigua.news, we welcome and respect the thoughts and opinions of all.
Another unnecessary and tragic murder of one of our own. Hopefully we will not behave as United States citizens and have only “thoughts and prayers”. As Antiguans and Barbudans we must do all that we must do to rid our communities of this scourge. If we see or know something we must say something to the authorities.
While the community advocate speaks out, systemic issues that allow such crimes to happen still need addressing.
What has Antigua come to? Growing up, all we were scared of were the known village pedophiles and jumby. Now it’s gun men murdering, and robbing people. While I know there’s nothing constant but change, some changes(such as this one) are unacceptable. We should not be held hostage by miscreants. The good out number and should therefore out power the bad. We cannot . .no..we must not stand by and watch our safety and security crumble before our very eyes. So if you know something then say something so this madness can stop. Condolences to the family and may M. Barnes rest in eternal peace.
Its almost like the man was killed and authorities are just so quiet and calm about it. SMH. But again…what can police really do? The same thing they have been doing…NOT MUCH!!!