BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – POLICE confirmed the death of a fifth person as a result of injuries sustaned in the tragic accident that occurred yesterday (Dec. 11) in the New Guinea area.
In a brief statement, police identified the latest victim as Malique Rawlins of Newton Ground, who had been receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) since the accident. Rawlins succumbed to his injuries today between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The Federation is in mourning following the devastating two-vehicle collision, which occurred on the island's main road near Brimstone Hill, sometime between 7:15 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. yesterday.
Initial police investigations revealed that an omnibus carrying five passengers and a jeep with one passenger collided while traveling along the roadway. Emergency responders from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, and Emergency Medical Services were dispatched to the scene.
Two of the victims—Rozina Herbert of Sandy Point and Dijorn Davis of Old Road—were transported to the Joseph N. France General Hospital for emergency treatment. Herbert died shortly after arrival, while Davis, the driver of the jeep, succumbed to his injuries following emergency surgery.
Three other fatalities were reported: Ian Jules of St. Paul’s (Davis’ passenger) and Belinda Paul of Sandy Point (an omnibus passenger) were pronounced dead at the scene. Rawlins is now the fifth.
One additional passengers from the omnibus remains hospitalized. The omnibus driver, Jamie Herbert, and another passenger were treated for minor injuries and discharged.
The tragic accident has prompted public appeals for safer driving during the festive season.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew urged motorists to exercise caution, especially during the holidays. “I want to take this opportunity as we enter into the festive season to appeal to you, our people, our motorists, that while you enjoy yourself and you should, to make sure that you drive with due care and attention. I'm appealing to all of you to not drink any alcohol and drive. Do not smoke any substances and drive,” he said in a social media post.
Dr. Drew continued: “I'm appealing to you because your life is precious and our life here in St. Kitts and Nevis is precious. So let us band together as a community and support those families and communities that are hurting as a result of this loss of life.”
Parliamentary Representative for the area, Samal Duggins, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims in a written statement. “To the grieving families, I offer my heartfelt condolences. To those recovering, I pray for your healing and strength. These incidents are a sobering reminder of how fragile life is and how crucial it is to exercise caution on the roads.,” he wrote.
He emphasized the importance of safe driving, saying: “This period is a celebration of life, but that joy loses its meaning if lives are needlessly lost along the way."
Natasha Grey-Brookes, Leader of the People’s Action Movement (PAM), also extended condolences to the grieving families.
The New Guinea tragedy comes just days after another fatal crash on the FT Williams Highway claimed the lives of two young people.
