The peaceful streets of Antigua are overshadowed by a grim reality as the number of unexplained disappearances rises, with families left longing for answers. Patricia Joseph, whose mother Hyacinth Gage vanished six years ago without a trace at age 74, exemplifies the anguish felt by many. The piercing unknown about her mother’s last moments continues to haunt Patricia, as she and her family remain vigilant for any clues, fixating on Hyacinth’s distinct orange-lined raincoat.
In the past two years, at least nine individuals have similarly disappeared from the island, leading some to proclaim this a crisis. Despite a modest population of under 100,000, the rate of unresolved disappearances seems disproportionately high compared to neighboring islands. For instance, in St Kitts - with a population of 48,000 - the authorities have successfully accounted for nearly all reported missing persons.
Patricia's search for her mother turned into a DIY detective effort, bringing to light troubling questions about the investigation. As she and her family pursued leads, they felt rebuffed by local police. Suggestions about organ trafficking and gang involvement have surfaced, fueled by speculation over the lack of bodies found in contrast to other Caribbean locales.
More recently, the disappearance of nine-year-old Chantel Crump – followed by the discovery of her body – has sparked national outrage. Amid this turmoil, Antigua’s Acting Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers acknowledges the need for improved public relations but insists they are not indifferent to these disappearances.
Advocates like Patricia are uniting with families of other missing persons to form action groups, seeking international assistance in what they regard as a growing crisis. Another individual, Aaron, cataloged nearly 60 disappearances on the island, with many believed to be linked to criminal activities. The diminished presence of a local forensic lab hinders investigations as samples must be sent abroad for analysis.
Civil society sentiment is reflected in comments from families affected by loss, such as Gregory Bailey, whose son Kevorn went missing after receiving a call from an unknown contact. Frustration with ineffective investigations and insensitivity from authorities is pervasive, pushing families to demand urgent governmental reforms.
In response, the local government has pledged to form a dedicated task force for missing persons, alongside other initiatives like acquiring search dogs trained to find cadavers. However, whether these steps will yield tangible results for those left in despair remains uncertain.
Patricia Joseph closes with an urgent call for vigilance and action: “We need serious attention on these disappearances, or the cycle will simply continue.” The community waits with bated breath for the transformations these measures may promise.
