by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN) – Police have identified the young woman, a security guard, who was the victim of a fatal shooting incident at the Irishtown Primary School on February 14 as 51-year-old Dahlia Hanley of Lime Kiln.
According to the police, at approximately 4:10 p.m., gunshots were heard in the vicinity of the Irish Town Primary school. During Community Policing operations, officers on patrol in the area responded. A chase and search ensued. Several suspects were apprehended and are presently in police custody.
Hanley was shot dead on the school grounds, and sources indicate that a stray bullet may have struck her as assailants ran through the school.
In light of the shooting incident, the Ministry of Education shared that the Irish Town Primary School would immediately be closed for face-to-face instruction.
The Ministry said the closure would allow the staff and students to receive compassionate care. At the same time, it will enable the authorities to investigate the shooting.
An update on the school closure is expected by Friday, February 17, 2023.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing. More on this as information becomes available.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hon. Dr Geoffrey Hanley made a national address on Security Concerns at the Irishtown Primary School.
“I am appalled at the callous disregard for human life and condemn ALL acts of violence. Our schools are Safe Zones where members of the school community should feel safe. Therefore, the Ministry of Education views this violent act as a direct attack on the education fraternity and the wider school community. I am certain that the effects from this heinous crime will reverberate throughout the school and surrounding neighbourhood, and as such, we pledge to do everything within our power to re-establish that sense of safety and security at the Irishtown Primary School.”
Dr Hanley ended his address by saying the citizens and residents have a collective responsibility to be agents of peace so that the Federation remains a ‘country where peace abounds’.
Many in the community have expressed their concern over the recent shooting and murders since the start of the year, questioning the safety of St. Kitts and Nevis.
