BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DESPITE public outcry following the tragic deaths of five individuals in a New Guinea accident late last year, speeding and road accidents remain a pressing issue.
The nation recorded its first road fatality for 2025 with the death of a four-month-old baby, Mekairi Edwards of Half Way Tree, St. Kitts on Saturday (Jan.11). The tragic incident occurred during a late afternoon head-on collision along Johnson’s Long Path, near Ross University.
The police provided an update on Sunday (Jan. 12), confirming details of the accident. Preliminary investigations revealed that between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collided in the area.
One vehicle, heading east toward Basseterre, was driven by Glenkeet Richardson of Wingfield Road, Old Road. The westbound vehicle was operated by T’An Phipps of Farms Project, Sandy Point. Both drivers sustained minor injuries and bruises and received treatment at the Joseph N. France General Hospital.
Phipps vehicle was carrying two passengers: the infant, Edwards, and Kededra Lewis, 23, of Sandy Point/Conaree. Lewis sustained severe injuries, including two broken legs, and underwent emergency surgery. Tragically, Baby Edwards succumbed to his injuries shortly after the collision.
In the wake of the incident, police have arrested Richardson on suspicion of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving. Accoring to Deputy Commissioner of Police Cromwell Henry, "Based on the available evidence so far, it is suspected that his actions while driving were the cause of the death."
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have pledged to keep the public informed as developments arise.