Australia/Antigua relations unmarred by tourist murder

~~Adz:Left~~ ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – DESPITE the recent murder of Australian yachtsman Drew Gollan, Australia’s High Commissioner to the Eastern Caribbean, Philip Kentwell declared that his country has no intentions of issuing a travel advisory against Antigua.

According to Caribbean 360, the statement was made in Barbados to a gathering of journalists yesterday (Jan. 26) following the Thursday, January 22 killing. Kentwell however stated that authorities would be “responding to Australians inquiring about risks of travelling to Antigua”.

Kentwell added that Antigua is a “very safe environment in the main” but stressed that travel precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of visitors. He said although crime happens all over the world and because of the recent increase in crime in the region, authorities must “provide the best advice we can to Australian citizens travelling to the Caribbean”.

The High Commissioner noted that the crime issue goes beyond the parameters of Antigua and is seen as a general rise in crime across the Caribbean. Kentwell further stated that the incident was "very unfortunate" as the small island was just recovering from the double homicide of the honeymooning Mullany couple last year July.

According news coming out of the island, police authorities are expected to increase security in the vicinity of English Harbour where Gollan was attacked and killed. The move aimed to encourage yacht operators to remain in the island after a number of them had left and many more have threatened to leave the island.

Gollan died after being attacked and shot three times to the chest upon returning to his yacht at English Harbour. The assailant left Gollan’s girlfriend and child unharmed and fled the scene in his vehicle. 

The corporate society at English Harbour has issued a notice of reward to the tune of US$10 000 for anyone who is able to provide information leading to the conviction of Gollan’s murderer.