Statement by the Minister of Education on the Tragic Loss of Chantal Crump

Statement by the Minister of Education on the Tragic Loss of Chantal Crump

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2025, St. Johns, Antigua…………….  It is with a heart weighed down by pain and grief that I pen this missive. The Ministry of Education, alongside a shattered community, mourns the devastating conclusion to the search for 9-year-old Chantal Crump, a young student whose life was tragically cut short. Words falter in the face of such sorrow, but we must come together to honor her memory and support those left behind.  

No title or role weighs heavier than the duty to safeguard our children, Chantel’s loss is a piercing reminder that every child is our child. As Minister, I feel this responsibility deeply, and I share in the profound grief engulfing her family and our nation.

Chantal’s disappearance last week united communities in a desperate search fueled by hope – a hope that has now dissolved into profound mourning. Today, we confront the unthinkable: a classroom seat left empty, a laughter silenced, and a future stolen.  

As Minister of Education, I speak not only for this institution but as a parent, a neighbor, and a fellow human being grappling with this loss. To Chantal’s family, there are no words adequate to soothe your pain. We share your anguish and stand with you in this darkest hour. To the educators and students who cherished her, know that her light will forever remain lit.  

In scripture, we are reminded: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).  Let these words guide us as we lean on one another for strength. The Ministry will mobilize counseling services to assist students and staff affected by this tragedy. 

Chantal’s story is a piercing reminder of the fragility of life and the sacred responsibility we bear to protect and nurture our children. While questions remain, let us focus now on compassion – on holding one another up when the weight of grief feels insurmountable.  

To every parent hugging their child a little tighter, to every teacher wiping a tear, and to every child struggling to understand this loss: You are not alone. Together, we will carry Chantal’s memory forward, ensuring her spark is never forgotten.  

Hon. Daryll Matthew

Minister of Education, Sports, and The Creative Industries

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