ABLP caretaker for St. John’s Rural West, Michael Joseph, has condemned the fatal shooting of Nikisha “Niki” Rose, describing her death as tragic, senseless, and deeply painful for the entire community.

Joseph tells Antigua.news that he was speaking with “profound sorrow” as he acknowledged the loss of the 42-year-old Gray’s Farm resident, whose life was cut short in a late-night shooting in Michael’s Village.

“Her loss is a devastating blow to her family, her friends, and our entire community,” Joseph said. “This act of violence represents a scourge we cannot accept.”

Joseph extended heartfelt condolences to Rose’s loved ones, noting the immense difficulty they now face in coming to terms with the tragedy.

“My deepest condolences are with all who loved her as they attempt to grasp the painful reality they now face,” he added.

The ABLP caretaker also issued a direct appeal to the public, urging anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward and help bring those responsible to justice.

“I call on anyone with information that can help bring her killers to justice to contact the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda,” Joseph stated.

Reflecting on his role as caretaker for the constituency, Joseph described the incident as one of the most painful aspects of public service.

“As the ABLP caretaker for St. John’s Rural West, the hardest part of this role is witnessing the potential of a young constituent extinguished by an act of violence,” he said.

Rose’s death has sparked widespread grief and renewed concern over violent crime, particularly within Gray’s Farm and surrounding communities, as residents continue to call for justice and greater efforts to stem gun violence.

Police confirmed that Rose was fatally shot during an incident around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, January 23, in the vicinity of the G&E Parking Lot in Michael’s Village.

According to investigators, Rose was travelling in a motor vehicle with a male companion when an unknown assailant opened fire on the vehicle, striking both occupants.

Both victims were rushed to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre suffering from gunshot wounds. Rose later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at approximately 11:21 p.m.

The male victim, also a resident of Gray’s Farm, sustained gunshot wounds and remains hospitalised in stable condition, police said.