Patricia Joseph reveals the ongoing mental anguish she experiences since her mother, Hyacinth Gage, 74, disappeared six years ago. Patricia often envisions her mother’s final moments, causing immense distress. To this day, Patricia finds herself scanning the surroundings for Hyacinth’s distinct orange-lined raincoat in hopes of uncovering a clue.
Tragically, Hyacinth is just one of many individuals who have gone missing on the small Caribbean island of Antigua in recent years. This unsettling trend has been labeled an epidemic or crisis by some, with at least nine disappearances occurring within the past two years alone.
The day of Hyacinth’s disappearance began like any other. After a routine visit to the public hospital, Hyacinth failed to return home, sparking a frantic island-wide search. Patricia and her sister took on the role of amateur detectives, tirelessly pursuing leads and questioning witnesses in an effort to unravel the mystery.
Despite their efforts, the family’s search yielded minimal results. Patricia recounts the frustrations they encountered from authorities and the emotional toll of not knowing her mother’s fate. As anniversaries pass, such as what would have been Hyacinth’s 80th birthday, the family is left with memories and unanswered questions.
The high number of disappearances in Antigua stands out in comparison to neighboring islands, leaving many puzzled. The island’s small size and population only add to the complexity of the situation, fueling speculation and theories ranging from police capabilities to more sinister motives.
The recent disappearance of a nine-year-old girl has further shocked the nation, prompting extensive search efforts and raising concerns about the safety of residents on the island.
Crump’s body was discovered two days later in a case that has sparked widespread public outrage and protests, fueling rampant rumors. A woman has been charged with Chantel’s murder. Antigua’s Acting Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers acknowledges that there is “room for improvement” in the force’s public relations but denies claims of indifference. He remains open-minded about the reasons behind the high number of disappearances, including the possibility of an organ trafficking operation on the island. “While there is no evidence to support this, it is crucial that we investigate all leads,” he explains.
Patricia has sought solace in connecting with families of other missing individuals and intends to establish an action group to seek international assistance. “This is no longer a random occurrence; it is a grave crisis,” she emphasizes. Russian-Canadian tourist Roman Mussabekov is among those who have vanished in Antigua, with his mother Marina Bezborodova still holding onto hope for his safe return.
Aaron (alias) has compiled a list of nearly 60 missing persons in Antigua, with over a third disappearing in the past decade alone, and suspects there are more cases. The majority of the missing individuals are men, spanning various age groups. “I have personally felt this anguish. One of my family members went missing, while another was tragically murdered,” Aaron shares, citing threats he has faced for shedding light on the issue.
Concerns are escalating regarding potential organized organ harvesting activities behind the scenes. Official figures on missing persons for the past two decades are being gathered by the police but have not been disclosed. This year has already seen two more disappearances.
In late January, Orden David failed to return home after an evening at a local casino. Despite the recovery of his burnt-out car, few leads have surfaced. Orden’s friend, Alline Henry, is tormented by the uncertainty surrounding his disappearance and fears the worst. Orden, a key figure in a groundbreaking case challenging anti-LGBTQ laws, is believed by some to have been targeted due to his involvement in the case.
The vast expanse of bushland and sea in Antigua contributes to the difficulty of locating missing individuals. Alline calls for external assistance, criticizing the local police’s inability to resolve these cases. “How many more must disappear before action is taken? Who will be next?” she questions.
38-year-old Keon Richards, an employee of the national school meals programme, was last seen leaving work on February 26. His mother, Dian Clarke, remains hopeful, acknowledging the alarming trend of people going missing and the impact it has on loved ones. Tragically, in the past two years, all missing persons, except for a 43-year-old woman, have been men aged between 18 and 76.
One major obstacle in the investigations is the absence of a local forensic lab. As a result, vital DNA samples must be sent abroad for analysis, causing significant delays. Director of Forensic Services, Michael Murrell, anticipates the opening of a new lab capable of processing trace evidence like hair, blood, and semen, but acknowledges that DNA analysis capabilities are hindered due to financial constraints.
The lack of technological resources is particularly distressing for individuals like Gregory Bailey, whose son Kevorn, 26, vanished after receiving a mysterious phone call in August 2022. The telecoms company claims to have provided the caller’s identity to the police, yet Gregory remains in the dark. His emotional turmoil is palpable as he grapples with uncertainty and pleads for accountability from authorities.
Amidst mounting disappearances, concerns about criminal impunity and police trustworthiness loom large. Aaron has compiled a list of unsolved murders, highlighting a pervasive mistrust in law enforcement due to perceived corruption and reprisals against victims’ families. Police Chief Jeffers acknowledges resource limitations but stresses the importance of community cooperation in solving cases.
The government has pledged new initiatives, including a dedicated missing persons’ task force and cadaver-detecting dogs, in response to the crisis. However, the urgency of the situation demands swift and effective action to address the anguish and uncertainty faced by those waiting for answers. Patricia urges authorities to prioritize these disappearances before more lives are shattered by loss and unanswered questions.
