As a community advocate for St. John’s Rural South, I am deeply troubled and profoundly grieved by the tragic and senseless murder of Mr. George Charlie Barnes, businessman and owner of Charlie’s Gas Station on Sir Sidney Walling’s Highway, which occurred on the night of September 12th, 2025.
Mr. Barnes was not only a respected business owner, but also a man I had the privilege of knowing personally for many years. Through his daughter, I came to know him as a strong individual of conviction, hardworking, approachable, and always willing to engage in meaningful conversation. He was a man rooted in principle, and his life was undeserving of the fate that has now left his family and community in mourning.
This brutal act of violence is not only shocking, but wholly unacceptable in a society as small and closely connected as ours. When such tragedies occur, they do not only strike one family, they send ripples of fear through every household. If it can happen to one of us, it can happen to any of us, and that reality is deeply disturbing.
To the Barnes family, I extend my sincerest condolences and prayers during this time of immeasurable grief. May you find strength and comfort in the love and support of the community that stands with you.
I urge anyone who may have information related to this crime to come forward without hesitation. Silence protects no one but those who perpetrate violence. We all share a responsibility to ensure that justice is served and that peace is restored. Contact the relevant authorities immediately. Your courage could save another life.
As a community, we must stand united. We must be vigilant, protect each other, and refuse to allow senseless acts like this to define our way of life. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to building a society where every individual,our families, neighbors, and friends, can live free from fear.
May Mr. Barnes rest in eternal peace, and may his memory strengthen our resolve to safeguard the values of peace, justice, and unity in Antigua and Barbuda.
Jermaine N. Edwards
Community Advocate
St. John’s Rural South
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Another unnecessary and tragic murder of one of our own. Hopefully we will not behave as United States citizens and have only “thoughts and prayers”. As Antiguans and Barbudans we must do all that we must do to rid our communities of this scourge. If we see or know something we must say something to the authorities.
My heartfelt condolences also to Charlie Barnes family, friends and associates.
Sadly, it seems that the criminal fraternity has declared violence and mayhem on the hardworking business community – as well as the citizenship of this once country.
Anyone who has scrimped, saved and borrowed to start any sort of business will recognise the sacrifice made of family life (at times), regular partying and sacrificing holidays abroad; and then hopefully after 4-5 years will – with any luck – see some sort of Return On Investment (ROI).
Yet, what are we hearing in Antigua in recent times?
The cowardly criminals are searching out and killing hardworking business men and women with impunity – this evil cannot continue!
It seems like every other day we are hearing about some sort of evil taking place on this tiny island of ours.
If our Prime Minister, the Attorney General and the Police Commissioner don’t take drastic action immediately, we in the Antiguan business community will sell-up, pack-up and leave the country for SAFER pastures; and let’s not forget that If the vibrant diaspora do likewise Antigua DONE!!!
Either the business community wins or the criminals.
Which one is it Gaston Browne and Steadroy Benjamin?
WE PAY A LOT OF TAXES STOP PONTIFICATING … DO SOMETHING!!!
Thats the caretaker and parliamentary representative we need.
We need and active and proactive person who is quick to do the right thing.
Will the UPP caretaker do like his master and issue a press statement.
The people need to hear him.
He knows that he is not ready to put his hands to the plow.
Great message Jermaine.
You are the UPP’S only chance of defeating Daryll Matthew, the worst parl rep, Minister of sports and minister of education.
The leader was in the pocket ot the enemy.
As such he chose loyalists to guarantee the labour party another term.
Come on Lovell.
Take command.
Take control and do as King Obstinate said, “Get rid of all them.flunky and save the UPP”.
Jermaine Edwards is the real deal for St John’s Rural South
Can i send my condemnation letter to be published as well?
Tragic, senseless, unacceptable YET NOTHING WILL BE DONE!!
The people wont take to the streets and demand answers from the prime minister and attorney general. You will hear the usual noises, but this senseless murder will just join the long list of unsolved murders in Antigua.
Hope you bring scoutland yard to find his murder its really scenseless murder this man do not deserve that kind of murder ,its time to bring back hanging because they are raking to many people’s life enocently may his soil rest in peace.
While the community advocate speaks out, systemic issues that allow such crimes to happen still need addressing.
Another unnecessary and tragic murder of one of our own. Hopefully we will not behave as United States citizens and have only “thoughts and prayers”. As Antiguans and Barbudans we must do all that we must do to rid our communities of this scourge. If we see or know something we must say something to the authorities.
Can i send my condemnation letter to be published as well?
The government should get solar powered streetlight with camera combination out of china to replace all existing streetlights system and help the police and government solve crime.
this is a great message Jermaine,well put together if we see or know something say something to the authorities.my condolences to the family an friends RIP
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