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Unraveling the Mystery: The Growing Crisis of Missing Persons in Antigua
The anguish of uncertainty is a constant burden for Patricia Joseph. Years after her mother, Hyacinth Gage, vanished without a trace, Patricia grapples with the “agonizing” mental torment of not knowing her mother’s fate. Hyacinth, age 74 at the time, is sadly just one of a rising number of individuals who have inexplicably disappeared on the small Caribbean island of Antigua. This alarming trend of missing persons in Antigua has prompted some to call it a crisis, with at least nine people vanishing in the past two years alone, raising serious concerns about crime in Antigua and the effectiveness of police investigations.
A Daughter’s Unending Search: The Disappearance of Hyacinth Gage
For Patricia Joseph, the search for answers continues six years after her mother, Hyacinth Gage, a vibrant 74-year-old, went missing. Patricia still instinctively looks for the distinctive orange-lined raincoat her mother wore on the day she disappeared in May 2019, hoping it might offer a vital clue.
May 2019 began as a typical day. Hyacinth, described as energetic and independent, had an ordinary check-up at the local public hospital. Tragically, she never returned home and has not been seen since.
This marked the start of a harrowing ordeal, characterized by numerous fruitless searches across the island and desperate appeals for public assistance.
Turning to Detectives: Family’s Desperate Search for Answers
“We became investigators,” Patricia recounts. “My sister and I joined forces to pursue any potential leads. I revisited the hospital to inquire.”
Patricia managed to confirm her mother had completed her scheduled blood tests. However, Hyacinth did not appear for an electrocardiogram. Further inquiries revealed she had briefly entrusted her handbag to another patient for safekeeping but never came back. Security personnel discovered the bag the following day.
The family also located a motorist who recalled giving Hyacinth a ride to an area near the hospital.
“The police became frustrated with our investigation and instructed us to stop,” Patricia remembers. “They then grew irritated by our repeated inquiries, leaving us no choice but to withdraw and resort to prayer.”
Anniversaries intensify the pain. March 6th would have been Hyacinth’s 80th birthday, a significant milestone the family had eagerly anticipated celebrating. Instead, Patricia spent the day in quiet contemplation.
A Disproportionate Number: Antigua’s Missing Persons Phenomenon
Patricia believes the number of disappearances in Antigua seems unusually high compared to neighboring islands. This viewpoint is echoed by sources on several islands who spoke with the BBC.
For instance, official police statistics from St Kitts, with a population of 48,000, indicate that out of 54 missing persons reported in 2023 and 2024, all but two have been accounted for. The remaining two are believed to be Haitian migrants who have since left the country.
Antigua, a small island of just 108 square miles and home to fewer than 100,000 residents, makes the situation particularly baffling.
Speculation and Theories: Unraveling the Causes
Various theories are circulating to explain these disappearances. They range from mundane explanations – such as a lack of motivation to investigate by an under-resourced and poorly compensated police force – to more sinister possibilities.
“Other islands eventually find bodies,” Patricia points out. “My mind races, trying to understand what happened. Some suggest organ trafficking. I’ve even considered gang involvement – is it some kind of initiation ritual?”
The recent disappearance of nine-year-old Chantel Crump on March 12th, and the subsequent discovery of her body two days later, sent shockwaves through the nation. This case, which sparked widespread public anger and protests, has amplified existing rumors. A woman has been charged with Chantel’s murder.
Police Response and Acknowledgment of Concerns
Acting Police Commissioner of Antigua, Everton Jeffers, acknowledges “areas for improvement” in the force’s public relations. However, he refutes any notion of indifference.
He maintains an open stance regarding the reasons behind the high number of disappearances, including the possibility of an organ trade operating on the island.
“It’s something we’ve heard and will investigate. There’s no current evidence to support it, but we must not dismiss anything,” he stated.
Families Unite, Seeking International Assistance
Patricia has found comfort in connecting with other families of missing persons. She is now planning to establish an action group to appeal for international support.
“This is no longer random; it’s a serious crisis,” she emphasizes.
The Scale of the Problem: Unofficial Counts and Growing Fears
Aaron (pseudonym), has compiled a list of nearly 60 people missing in Antigua, with over a third vanishing in the last decade alone, and he believes there are more uncounted cases. Men constitute roughly two-thirds of disappearances, ranging from teenagers to individuals in their 70s.
“I have personally experienced this agony. A family member went missing, and another was murdered,” he shares, requesting anonymity due to alleged threats received for highlighting the issue.
“Families are suffering immensely. Many have died without ever seeing justice for their loved ones.”
“While some disappearances might be linked to criminal involvement, there’s growing apprehension about a potential organized organ harvesting ring operating covertly,” Aaron adds.
Police state they are compiling official figures for missing persons over the past two decades but had not provided data at the time of reporting.
This year has already seen two additional disappearances.
In late January, Orden David disappeared after a night out at a local casino. Orden’s burned-out vehicle has been recovered, but few other leads have emerged.
Orden David’s Case: A Community in Limbo
Alline Henry describes Orden as her “closest friend of 23 years.”
“The worst part is not knowing if he’s being forcibly detained,” Alline says.
“Is he being abused, tortured? My mind races constantly. If, tragically, the worst has happened, we desperately need closure,” she adds.
Orden, 39, is known in Antigua as a key figure in a landmark 2022 legal case that overturned legislation criminalizing same-sex acts.
“It’s incredibly painful that, instead of focusing on his disappearance, some people are fixated on his sexual orientation.”
“I believe the case might have made him a target,” Alline sadly suggests.
The extensive bushland and surrounding ocean in Antigua could contribute to the ease of concealing bodies, potentially hindering the search for answers for many families.
Calls for External Assistance and Enhanced Resources
“It’s clear local police cannot resolve these disappearances alone. They require external help. How many more people must vanish before action is taken? Who will be next?” Alline pleads.
Keon Richards, 38, employed by the national school meals program, was last seen leaving work on February 26th. His mother, Dian Clarke, says she is “trying to remain optimistic,” adding, “You hear about missing persons in the news, and then it becomes your reality.”
With the exception of one 43-year-old woman, all those who have vanished without a trace in the last two years are men aged between 18 and 76.
Investigations are further complicated by the absence of a local forensic laboratory. Critical DNA samples must be sent overseas for analysis, resulting in lengthy delays for results.
Forensic Lab Upgrade: A Glimmer of Hope
Michael Murrell, Director of Forensic Services, informed the BBC that a new lab capable of analyzing trace evidence like hair, blood, and semen will be operational within months. However, he admitted that DNA analysis capabilities are still distant due to limited funding.
Improved technology cannot arrive soon enough for grieving families.
A Father’s Despair: The Unresolved Case of Kevorn Bailey
Gregory Bailey’s son, Kevorn, 26, has been missing since August 2022, after receiving a call from an unknown individual whom he apparently left home to meet.
Gregory states the telecoms company claims to have provided the caller’s identity to police long ago, but “even now, the police cannot tell me who it was.”
His frustration and despair are palpable.
“It feels like a part of me is missing. Some speak of closure, but I couldn’t bear to see him in a coffin; I prefer to imagine him alive,” he says.
“It’s emotionally draining to constantly chase the police. If I don’t call them, I hear nothing; when I do, I get empty promises,” he adds. “I want the government to understand the depth of people’s grief; I’m not sure they appreciate it.”
“I put up missing person posters everywhere except near my home; it was too unbearable. This is the most agonizing experience of my life.”
Gregory believes the high number of disappearances largely stems from criminals operating with impunity.
Aaron has also compiled a list of over 100 unsolved homicides.
“People distrust the police; corruption is rampant in law enforcement,” Gregory asserts.
Aaron concurs: “There have been instances where perpetrators have retaliated against victims’ families after reports were filed.”
Police Acknowledge Resource Constraints, Pledge Action
Police Chief Jeffers acknowledges “no police force globally is perfect,” but maintains, “I can assure you 90% of our officers are dedicated.”
He concedes that limited resources hinder investigations.
“No police force in the Caribbean has sufficient resources to handle everything required.”
“We are committed to searching for missing persons, pursuing public leads, and engaging the community.” He also pledged new measures, including a dedicated missing persons task force and the acquisition of canine units trained in body detection.
A Community’s Plea for Urgent Action
However, these assurances may not be enough to satisfy those desperately seeking answers.
“It’s time for decisive action,” Patricia urges. “I hope tragedy doesn’t strike closer to home before they conduct a thorough re-evaluation of these disappearances.”