A surgeon from overseas is expected to arrive in Antigua this week to assist with reconstructive surgery on 13-year-old Joshua Meade, who remains hospitalized after being shot in the face during Monday night’s deadly shooting in Bathlodge.

The development was announced on Thursday by Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, during the post-Cabinet media briefing.

Merchant said the hospital requested the services of the overseas specialist to assist with the complex procedure as the teenager continues his recovery.

“The hospital has requested the services of an overseas surgeon, who should be flying in to Antigua this week to assist them in reconstructive surgery, as Joshua was shot in the face,” Merchant said.

The teenager was among three people injured or killed during the incident, which claimed the life of 20-year-old Saquania Anthony.

Joshua’s 24-year-old sibling, Kelvin, who also sustained gunshot wounds, has since been discharged from the hospital.

Merchant appealed to the public to continue praying for Joshua and his family as he faces the next stage of his recovery.

“The cabinet asks for the nation to continue to pray for Joshua and his family,” he said.

While updating the nation on the victims, Merchant also called for collective action to address what he described as a developing problem of gun violence.

“However, it is required for the nation to play its part in arresting what seems to be a developing problem,” he said.

Cabinet extended condolences to Anthony’s family while expressing best wishes for Joshua’s recovery.

“The Cabinet expresses its condolences and best wishes to the family of Saquania, who perished, and wishes good health and recovery to 13-year-old Joshua, who is still in the hospital at this time, recovering,” Merchant said.