BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LAST week’s brutal killing of popular taxi-driver Bradford Tweed has left the St. Kitts and Nevis Hotel and Tourism Association (HTA) in a state of great loss, as the organization’s president places crime as its greatest concern.
In a recent interview with SKNVibes, HTA President Nick Menon described Tweed as a “stalwart of our industry” as he reflected on the life of the fallen taxi operator. Menon added that for his life of service, Tweed should be recognized and a bold stand to condemn violent crimes must be taken by other taxi drivers and the ST. Kitts Tourism Authority.
“I think that it is another tragic loss in St. Kitts; an unnecessary tragic loss in a way which threatens the whole fabric of our industry and society generally. Crime is of top priority for the HTA and this was an unfortunate example which touched many people.... Due recognition should be given to him...and it would have been nice to see more support from the other taxi-drivers and the [St. Kitts] Tourism Authority.
“We are stunned that there could be so little after such a tragedy,” Menon told this media house.
Similar sentiments were made by President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce Michael Morton, who in a WINN FM interview said that Tweed’s death was a “significant blow” to the local tourism industry, as he had provided “exemplary” service to the country for more than 40 years.
Tweed was shot to death early Thursday morning (Apr. 8) along the island main road in the Keys area. According to police reports, his body was found outside his bus near the front passenger’s wheel lying on the grassy verge on the seaside of the road across from Morgan Heights. His death was the 10th homicide for the Federation for 2010.
SKNVibes contacted Executive Manager of the HTA Michael Head, who described Tweed’s death as “shocking and horrible”. He informed that an HTA Crime Committee designed to discuss how the association can partner with government to reduce crime will meet shortly.
While investigations into the homicide are ongoing, there have been no arrests made in relation to the recent killing.
