BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – RESIDENTS across St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as Dominica, are mourning the death of 18-year-old Sean John, a student of the Washington Archibald High School and resident of College Housing, St. Kitts.
Police confirmed that John, a Dominican national, was the victim of a fatal shooting late Saturday night (Sept. 13). While full details have not yet been released, investigators said the incident occurred sometime between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. Responding officers found John with a gunshot wound, and he was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Minister of Education Geoffrey Hanley expressed deep sadness at the young man’s death, while strongly condemning the rise in violence across the Federation.
"His life was tragically and senselessly taken. An act of Violence which has left us all in a state of shock and grief," he said. "The safe zone which we seek to provide in school must extend to our communities and our nation. Our children must be protected whether in or out of school. The Ministry of Education condemns all acts of violence and pledges to do everything within our power to re-establish that sense of safety and security among our children.”
Hanley confirmed that Washington Archibald High School would open today, with counseling support available for students in need of grief assistance.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of gun violence across St. Kitts and Nevis in recent weeks, including robberies and home invasions. Authorities have raised concerns about how illegal firearms and ammunition are entering the Federation.
So far this year, seven homicides have been recorded. The minister stressed the urgent need for collective action.
"Citizens and residents, we have a collective responsibility to be agents of peace so that our federation remains a country where peace abounds. Therefore, let us continue to work towards creating a peaceful and safe nation where our children can thrive and succeed,” Hanley urged.
Police said they are actively pursuing leads as the investigation continues.
