BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Sept. 24.2018 – PRIME MINISTER of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has sent strong words following the death of 26-year-old Botham Shem Jean.
Jean, a citizen of St. Lucia was gunned down in his home in Dallas by an off-duty police officer who claimed she mistook the apartment for her own.
In an OECS media statement, Gonsalves said that he wished to make it clear that “our small size (OECS) or perceived ranking in global affairs should not lead to false assumptions or conclusions about the strength of our resolve and determination in the fight for justice”.
He lamented that: “We are dismayed by the despicable attempts by some to smear the character of Botham Shem Jean, and call upon the authorities in the State of Texas and elsewhere in the United States of America to work to ensure that justice prevails in this matter”.
Since the death of the young man, police sought and gained a warrant to search his apartment, which was executed and turned up small quantities of marijuana.
The statement noted that over the last two weeks the people of the region, North America and indeed many other parts of the world have been following the rather sad, perplexing, and horrifying case of Botham Shem Jean.
Gonsalves noted that it is an undeniable fact that Botham Shem Jean was shot and killed while in the sanctity and comfort of his own home on the night of September 06, 2018 by a uniformed officer of the Dallas City Police.
“Botham Shem Jean had committed no crime, nor was he contemplating or conspiring to commit any crime. From every indication, Botham Shem Jean was a proud product of our Caribbean Civilization – bright, God-fearing, respectful of others, humane and full of promise.
“…and so, it is a great loss that we all feel, and for which we sympathise deeply with his family and friends. The people of our region, from the OECS and beyond, want to let it be known to the United States of America and indeed to the entire world that we stand firmly in solidarity with the family and friends of Botham Shem Jean, and with the Government and people of Saint Lucia in their demand for justice.”
The officer, Amber Guyger has since been fired and charged with manslaughter but that is expected to be upgraded to murder.
