Implores nation to report anything seen/heard
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN the wake of the brutal murder of 77-year-old Constance Thompson-Gumbs of Conaree Village, Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris has extended condolences on behalf of his Government and the nation to her family and loved ones.
In a press release issued yesterday (Apr. 30), Dr. Harris said: “I extend heartfelt sympathies, on behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, to the family and loved ones of Constance Thompson-Gumbs, an elderly lady of 77 years of age, who died yesterday, Monday, April 29th, 2019, in a brutal stabbing incident that has left her close-knit community of Conaree – and, by extension, the whole country – bereaved and shocked.”
He pointed out that the tragedy has been compounded by the now deceased elderly woman was much beloved in her community where she was selling snacks to children.
“These children will miss her greatly and also struggle to comprehend why she is no longer around to give them their favourite treats. Let us therefore keep them in our thoughts and prayers,” he added.
The Prime Minister exclaimed that it is easy to plunge into a national despair at moments like this, “as we collectively consider what is an abomination, not just in our minds but in the sight of God, that beautiful, precious life can in an instant be defiled by wanton indignity and merciless violence”.
He is of the view that an increased sense of solidarity could emerge out of this tragedy, as well as an even stronger resolve to stand up and denounce acts of violence.
“Whatever comes out of her tragic death, we must double our efforts to support and protect women, the elderly, children and other traditionally vulnerable members of our society so that they can live without threat, harassment or abuse in any form,” the Federation’s Political Leader advised.
Dr. Harris is calling on every citizen and resident of the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis to take a stand by reporting anything they might have seen or heard in relation to this violent case, or in regard to any other crime.
“To all families, who have lost cherished loved ones to violent crime, I offer deepest condolences and pray for your healing and peace of mind,” he concluded.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday (Apr. 29), police had received a report of a body being found in a house at Conaree Village. On arrival, the officers saw the motionless body of Thompson-Gumbs lying in the living room of her home with multiple stab wounds.
The District Medical Officer, Dr. Maria Warner, was summoned to the scene and pronounced her dead, while personnel from the Forensic Unit processed the scene and took items of evidential value into custody.
A man has since been taken into custody to assist the police with their investigation into the matter, as investigations are ongoing.
Constance Thompson-Gumbs’ death has taken to 11 the number of homicides committed in the twin-island Federation for the year; two on Nevis and nine on St. Kitts.
