LETTER: “Because Iniquity Shall Abound, the Love of Many Shall Wax Cold” — A Nation Must Wake Up Before It Is Too Late

By Cory Wayland

There comes a time when a nation must pause, look beyond the headlines, and honestly examine the condition of its soul. Antigua and Barbuda, a country once celebrated for its peaceful communities and close-knit families, is being forced to confront a troubling reality: violence, shootings, killings, robberies, and the growing disregard for human life are becoming matters of increasing concern. Each incident leaves behind grieving families, frightened communities, and questions about where we are heading as a people.

The recent violence reported across the country, including the killing of 39-year-old Kerew Richards in Swetes, the robbery and shooting in Liberta, and the robbery of a service station along Buckleys Line, has added to public concern about crime and safety. These incidents are not merely police statistics. Behind every report is a human being, a family, a livelihood, and a community affected by fear.

But the latest tragedy in Bathlodge has brought this crisis into even sharper focus. A 21-year-old mother of two, identified as Saquania Anthony, was shot and killed while reportedly carrying her third child. A 13-year-old boy was also critically injured in the attack. A mother is gone, children are left without her, and a young boy is fighting for his life. What kind of society are we becoming when violence can enter a home and tear apart innocent lives in such a devastating manner?

The Bible gives us a sobering warning about the condition of the world in the last days. In Matthew 24:12, Jesus declares, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” These words should cause every one of us to reflect. When evil becomes common, when violence is excused, when revenge is celebrated, and when human life is treated as disposable, something deeper than a security problem is unfolding. We are witnessing the consequences of hearts becoming increasingly hardened toward one another.

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:1 that “in the last days perilous times shall come.” The Apostle Paul goes on to describe a society marked by troubling attitudes and behaviours, including people becoming lovers of themselves, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, and having a form of godliness while denying its power. These words should also cause us to examine the direction in which our society is heading. They remind us that the condition of a nation is not determined only by what happens in its streets, but also by what is taking place within the hearts and lives of its people.

Mark 7:21-23 gives us another sobering warning. Jesus teaches that “from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts,” followed by a list that includes murders, thefts, wickedness, deceit, pride, and foolishness. This reminds us that violence and other destructive acts do not simply appear from nowhere. They can come from what is allowed to grow within the human heart. Therefore, while we must address crime and its consequences, we must also confront the attitudes, values, influences, and choices that can lead people down destructive paths.

Revelation 6:4 presents another disturbing image: the removal of peace from the earth, resulting in people killing one another. While Scripture speaks prophetically about the conditions surrounding the last days, its message also challenges us to consider the spiritual direction of humanity. We cannot read these warnings and simply dismiss them as ancient words with no relevance to our present circumstances. When families are afraid, when young people are exposed to criminal influences, and when communities lose their sense of security, we must ask whether we are paying attention to the lessons God has given us.

However, this letter is not intended to suggest that every crime is proof of biblical prophecy being fulfilled in a specific way, nor is it an invitation to surrender to fear. Rather, it is a call to recognize that the moral and spiritual condition of our society deserves as much attention as the physical security of our streets. We can increase police patrols, install surveillance cameras, strengthen legislation, and prosecute offenders, and these measures have an important role to play. The Government has already outlined initiatives involving Operation Iron Grip, expanded CCTV coverage, and a review of aspects of the Child Justice Act in response to concerns about serious crime and youth involvement. Yet laws and enforcement alone cannot transform a society if the hearts of its people remain unchanged.

We must also ask ourselves where we have failed our children. Who is teaching them the value of life? Who is showing them that conflict does not have to end in bloodshed? Who is guiding young men away from the attraction of guns, gangs, and criminal lifestyles? The responsibility cannot rest solely on the police or the Government. Parents, guardians, teachers, churches, community leaders, and ordinary citizens must all examine the roles we play in shaping the next generation. A child who grows up surrounded by violence, neglect, hatred, and indifference is being exposed to a dangerous lesson about the value of human life.

The Church, too, must recognize that this is not a season for silence. Our pulpits must speak not only about prosperity, blessings, and personal success, but also about repentance, righteousness, accountability, forgiveness, and the consequences of sin. We cannot preach about the love of God on Sunday and remain unconcerned about the suffering of our neighbours throughout the week. The Gospel must be lived in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. If we truly believe that God values human life, then our actions must reflect that belief.

At the same time, we must be careful not to allow anger over crime to destroy our compassion or our commitment to justice. Those responsible for violent offences must face the lawful consequences of their actions, but we must also work toward preventing future generations from following the same destructive path. Accountability and rehabilitation should not be treated as opposing goals. A nation needs both justice for victims and meaningful efforts to prevent more victims from being created.

Antigua and Barbuda cannot afford to become a place where people lock their doors in fear, where parents worry about whether their children will return home safely, or where another killing becomes just another headline before the public moves on to the next story. We must refuse to normalize violence. We must refuse to glorify criminality. We must refuse to remain silent when we know that something is wrong.

The time has come for a renewed national commitment to God, to family, to community, and to the preservation of life. Let us encourage prayer, but let us also encourage action. Let us call for stronger communities, responsible parenting, effective policing, meaningful youth programmes, and a justice system that protects the innocent while holding offenders accountable. Let us also examine our own lives, because national change begins with individual change.

Second Chronicles 7:14 reminds us of God’s call to humility, prayer, seeking His face, and turning from wicked ways. Whether one approaches that passage as a believer seeking spiritual renewal or as a citizen concerned about the moral direction of the country, its message presents a challenge: change cannot begin with someone else alone. It must begin with us.

To the family of Saquania Anthony, to her children, and to all those affected by the Bathlodge shooting, may God grant comfort and strength in this unimaginable time. We also pray for the 13-year-old boy who remains critically injured, that he may receive the care and mercy he needs. Their suffering must not be forgotten when the headlines fade.

And to the people of Antigua and Barbuda, this is our moment to reflect. We cannot control every action of another person, but we can decide what values we promote, what behaviour we tolerate, what examples we set, and whether we will stand together against the darkness threatening our communities.

May we never become so accustomed to violence that we stop grieving. May we never become so hardened that the suffering of another person no longer moves us. And may we seek a restoration of peace, not merely through stronger institutions, but through a transformation of hearts.

The country does not need to wait for another tragedy before it wakes up. The time for change is now.

Respectfully,
Cory Wayland