His Majesty’s Governor’s Office on Anguilla has called on London for help after a week of unprecedented shootings and murders on the quiet British Overseas Territory.
Anguilla is facing a troubling wave of gang-related violence, with multiple shootings shaking the island this week. The escalating crisis has prompted urgent calls for government intervention, leading to a press conference earlier on Saturday May 11, where officials outlined their response.
The violence began on Tuesday, May 6, when an 18-year-old was shot multiple times in broad daylight at Blowing Point Ferry Terminal. The victim was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he remains under close observation. A female bystander also sustained minor injuries from bullet fragments but was treated and discharged.
On Friday, May 9, the situation worsened. Rashe Hodge, 31, was fatally shot in West End around 11:30 a.m., followed by the killing of Jaheim Gumbs, 22, in North Valley at 7:50 p.m.
These incidents have fuelled fears of retaliatory violence, with residents demanding stronger security measures.
Government Responds
At Saturday’s press conference, Governor Julia Crouch and Acting Commissioner of Police Haslyn Patterson addressed the crisis, promising swift action to curb gang activity. Officials announced several key measures:
Increased Policing: More officers will be deployed to high-risk areas, with UK armed personnel assisting local forces. The Governor has formally requested additional law enforcement officers from London.
Community Engagement: Authorities urged residents to report suspicious activity and participate in violence prevention programs.
Criminal Justice Reforms: The government is reviewing sentencing laws and gang intervention strategies to deter crime.
National Security Council Meeting: Officials will convene this week to discuss long-term solutions.
Training Support: U.S. Homeland Security agents are set to arrive in Anguilla this week to provide specialized training to local law enforcement.
Maritime Surveillance: A new maritime surveillance system is being commissioned to monitor the waters around Anguilla, aiming to curb the importation of illicit weapons fuelling gang conflicts.
Acting premier of Anguilla Kyle Hodge said "This is not Anguilla, this is not how we live." Hodge also appealed to the general public to assist law enforcement by offering information to help solve the murders.
Residents have taken to social media, demanding a police lockdown, curfew, or even a state of emergency to restore order. Some have called for international law enforcement assistance, while others suggest stricter detention policies and advanced surveillance technology to track gang activity.
A resident of Anguilla spoke to JamRadio.uk on the condition of annonimity, she said: "These shootings are frightening! It’s heartbreaking to see gun violence disrupting our beautiful and peaceful community. Anguilla is so small, less than 20,000 people, everybody knows everybody and each life lost impacts all of us in some way or another. Where are thes gun coming from?
Governor Julia Crouch reaffirmed her commitment to restoring peace, stating that the government will not tolerate criminal activity that threatens public safety. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, community leaders, and international partners to address the crisis effectively. Crouch confirmed to the media that help is coming from London afer a request was made for specialist firearms and investigative offices, on the advice of Acting POlice Commissioner Patterson.
This is a developing story—Follow JamRadio.uk for more updates.
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