BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — POLICE have launched an investigation into the shooting death of 36-year-old Krami Morris-O'Loughlin, also known as ‘I Mark’, a popular local artiste. His lifeless body was discovered yesterday (Aug. 18) in Molineaux.
According to a police statement, officers received a report of gunshots in the area at approximately 5:37 a.m. Upon arriving at the scene, they found Morris-O'Loughlin lying on the ground inside his yard with multiple gunshot wounds. The District Medical Officer, Dr. Rubaine, was summoned and pronounced Morris-O'Loughlin deceased after examining the body.
This incident brings the total number of homicides in the Federation for the year to 24.
In recent weeks, the Federation has experienced a surge in violence, prompting the government and law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts to combat the issue. The police have increased stop-and-search operations, leading to the confiscation of illegal firearms and the issuance of several tickets for various offenses.
Additionally, officers have stepped up patrols and executed search warrants on several premises, resulting in the arrest of multiple individuals for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
The rising number of homicides has raised alarms across the Federation, with the youngest victim being a 9-year-old child. During an appearance on Saturday (Aug. 17) on WINN FM, businessman Romeo Parris expressed concern over the escalating violence, particularly in the case of the young victim.
“A nine-year-old child being shot in the back of the head, execution style, is a grave concern for anyone—any civil-minded person, any police force, or any investigative body,” Parris stated.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has also spoken out against the increasing violence, pledging to take strong measures to address the issue. He confirmed that the government will hold a national consultation to bring stakeholders together to find solutions. Dr. Drew emphasized the importance of a collective approach, stating, “An all-of-society approach is the only way we can end the scourge of violent crime in our society. We have implemented various social interventions to positively impact our people, especially our young men and the most vulnerable.”
Meanwhile, Natasha Shanny Grey-Brookes, Leader of the People’s Action Movement, criticized the government for its handling of the situation and called for a seat at the table to discuss the issue, laying out her party’s recommendations for addressing the problem. Timothy Harris, of the People’s Labour Party, also chastised the government, noting that the violence continues unabated.
Noticeably absent from the discussion on the issue, however, are the civil society organizations.
