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“We do not feel safe” – Chamber of Commerce members

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We do not feel safe, Chamber of Commerce members say

Following the murder of businessman George ‘Charlie’ Barnes, the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce is sharing their concerns over the rise in crime regarding businesses and their security.

In the past months, businesspersons or customers have been victims of crime.

Reports indicate that Barnes had just arrived at his Nugent Street residence around 10:20 p.m. on Friday when he was confronted by an unidentified assailant. He was shot in the chest during the attack and pronounced dead at the scene.

Barnes, the owner and operator of Charlie’s Service Station on Sir Sydney Walling Highway, was a respected member of the business community. His death has sparked shock and sadness among family, friends, and residents who knew him well.

Alongside this latest murder, the homicide of Roudi Shmali in his business during an attempted robbery was also mentioned.

Just last week, two gunmen staged a bogus roadblock and made off with thousands of dollars in cash from a contractor.

It is these incidents and other that have left businesses uneasy.

“What I would say is that no one is comfortable. As Celia suggested, we’re known for being safe, and we’re known for being— actually, the Caribbean is usually marketed as a laid-back, tranquil place where people can holiday or just hike or do business or do whatever but we’re seeing the scourge of crime and violence mar that image.

“So, who feels safe these days? We’ve had so many instances. Some are businesspeople. Others are just citizens. So, there’s this scourge that has hit the business community. Where does it end? Where do we go from here? Certainly, if you think of it, businesspeople have been clamouring to get armed to have guns so that they can protect themselves and their employees and their businesses from the robberies that seem to be so prolific but is that all? Does John Q a citizen have to arm himself against robbers and that be the solution? I don’t think it ought to be but certainly, the business community is in a state of unrest,” Executive Director of Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce Martin Cave said.

Among the members themselves, Director Celia Samuel said it’s a chilling mood for businesspersons and a wake-up call for their lack of safety.

An emotional Samuel said it “was shocking that this could have happened to Charlie”, a man who has been a staple in the community for decades then it has opened their eyes that it can happen to any one of them.

Both Cave and Samuel offered their condolences to the family of Barnes, friends, employees and customers.

“It‘s really affected me personally because we used to go there a lot. My husband has known him for over—well, he’s been doing business with him for over 30 years. It really, really affected me. As somebody in business as well, it really is quite scary. One of the things I love about Antigua is the safety aspect of it.

“You feel comfortable walking down the street, and when these things continue to happen, especially to somebody who has contributed so much to this country, it’s scary because if they could do that to Charlie, then they could do that to anybody else,” Samuel said.

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Comments (16)

  • Maki September 18, 2025, 1:46 PM

    Too many of our good citizens are becoming victims. First Roudi, now Charlie. And all the robberies in between. Antigua cannot afford to let crime take over, because once that happens, we lose the very character of our country.

  • Spislgal September 18, 2025, 7:47 AM

    I observed 2 dogs, one black, one brown walking down Tindall Rd two days after Charlie. The brown dog, bit the black dog on the tail, after it stepped on its paws…the black dog ran off whimpering…. @Faithful National #1. I have decided to take a page from your book and being a completely idiotic in my response. 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️… Calling on those who are presentely in authority to address issues related to the safety of its citizenry is NOT playing politics, and if you cannot determine that, then you are NOT Faithful to Antigua!

  • Informed citizen September 17, 2025, 8:38 PM

    They’re right. It’s not just businesses ordinary citizens feel unsafe too.

  • Diane September 17, 2025, 5:06 PM

    This tragedy should be a turning point. It must push both authorities and the wider society to act, before more lives are lost and more families left grieving.

  • Olivette September 17, 2025, 4:16 PM

    The police needs to shoot in legs ensuring they dont have the feets to run in peoples place and steal their stuff. Fed up

  • unruly one September 17, 2025, 4:09 PM

    I really feel for Charlie’s family and employees. He was always a good, decent man, and it hurts to know he died this way. My prayers go out to them. But government and police need to wake up words are not enough. Action is needed

  • Army September 17, 2025, 4:05 PM

    Antiguans don’t want to live in a country where the solution is for everyone to arm themselves. We want proper protection, effective policing, and serious attention to crime prevention. It’s not just about protecting businesses it’s about protecting our way of life and preserving the reputation of Antigua as a safe and welcoming place.

  • Hilda September 17, 2025, 4:01 PM

    This one really hit home. Antigua has always been known as a peaceful, safe place where people could live, raise families, and do business without feeling constantly under threat. To lose someone like Charlie Barnes, a man who served this community faithfully for decades, in such a violent way is heartbreaking and frightening

  • Wyonna September 17, 2025, 12:28 PM

    We dont feel safte either. As a single woman living in a house with three children i am scared. You guys have money we dont. You guys have weapons we have spoons and knives. Think about it….We the vulnerable are the most unsafe people there is

  • Kathleen September 17, 2025, 11:50 AM

    Business owners should be able to get there gun license easier with these kind of things going on robbers should be scared too

  • Apex Jones September 17, 2025, 11:44 AM

    I don’t think anybody in their right mind feels safe right now even those who are licensed to carry a firearm

  • Noel September 17, 2025, 11:36 AM

    Things has changed,no time to be laid back anymore if something isn’t done now I don’t think it will ever be done

  • Jovan September 17, 2025, 11:33 AM

    They finally feel what we’ve been feeling for all these years,always waiting for something to happen for them to act like they’re concerned it been happening for years.

  • Anonymous September 17, 2025, 10:04 AM

    This is like a big joke.You did not realize that we are not safe and other persons don’t feel safe in this country so because it hit home your eyes open wide for you to realize that nobody is safe?Okay welcome to our club

  • The listening post September 17, 2025, 9:52 AM

    Wow I can’t believe someone would actually say something concerning politics to this post…..wake to hell up…..not because it’s real doesn’t mean it should not be brought under control by any means necessary

  • Faithful National #1 September 17, 2025, 9:32 AM

    Oh please! Welcome to the sad but real world! Stop playing politics with every aspect of our lives. It benefits NOONE!

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