PM Browne Rejects Claims of Inaction in Search for Chantel Crump

PM Browne Rejects Claims of Inaction in Search for Chantel Crump

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has pushed back against criticism that he was not actively involved in the search for nine-year-old Chantel Crump, asserting that he was in direct communication with law enforcement throughout the investigation. Speaking on his weekly Browne and Browne Show, Browne dismissed accusations of government inaction as “propaganda” and insisted that he had been working closely with authorities from the outset.

“There are those who want to claim that we do not care, but the fact is that we were actively working through the night on this case while others were asleep,” Browne said. He revealed that he had been receiving regular updates from the Police Commissioner and that his administration had deployed all available resources to locate the missing child and apprehend suspects.

The Prime Minister also addressed complaints from some members of the public who questioned why the police presence in Gray’s Farm, where Chantel lived, appeared limited. He explained that the police had been following multiple leads across different areas, which required spreading resources strategically.

“Some people do not understand police work. They may have felt that all of the efforts of the police should have been concentrated in Gray’s Farm, but the intelligence had led the police elsewhere. At one point, the police had four different teams fanned out through different communities,” he explained.

Browne further noted that he had authorized the Defense Force to join the police in joint operations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring a thorough and effective investigation. “Only the Prime Minister has the right to authorize the Defense Force to support the police in this way,” he pointed out, countering claims that his government was detached from the crisis.

The Prime Minister also expressed his personal grief over the tragedy, highlighting his close relationship with the victim’s father. He stated that he had spoken directly with the family and pledged both personal and government assistance for funeral expenses.

“This is somebody I’ve known all my life, so the fact that it was his child, it was really devastating. Last night I didn’t get any sleep… but what kept me up too was the fact that I was kept informed following this issue and had to call Max [Chief of Staff Lionel Max Hurst] at about 1:00 a.m. to give instructions to prepare a press statement and to tell him precisely what I wanted in the statement. So while those who protested this morning were asleep, I was up working.”

Browne also criticized opposition figures for what he called “political opportunism,” accusing them of using the tragedy to push partisan narratives rather than focusing on justice and unity. He reiterated that his administration remains committed to addressing crime and strengthening national security.

As the investigation continues, the government has reaffirmed its plans to renew a request for Scotland Yard’s assistance and introduce new crime-fighting tools, including cadaver dogs and enhanced forensic capabilities. Browne urged the public to work with law enforcement and avoid misinformation that could hinder the investigation.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that justice is served, and we will not be distracted by those who seek to politicize this tragedy,” he stated.

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