Epidemic of Mysterious Disappearances Strikes Antigua's Community

Antigua faces a troubling trend of mysterious disappearances, causing widespread fear and questions about law enforcement's capability to handle the crisis.

The tranquil Caribbean island of Antigua has plunged into a state of alarm as a series of mysterious disappearances plague the community. Families and residents are desperate for answers regarding the whereabouts of their missing loved ones, leading some to label the situation an epidemic.

One poignant case is that of Hyacinth Gage, who vanished six years ago at the age of 74 after a trip to a local hospital. Her daughter, Patricia Joseph, experiences persistent heartache over her mother's unknown fate, describing it as "mental torture." Despite active searches and personal investigations, Hyacinth's case remains unresolved, embodying a larger trend that has seen at least nine people disappear without a trace in just two years.

Patricia and her sister turned into amateur detectives, following leads and interviewing witnesses when police assistance seemed limited. Their search uncovered that Hyacinth had momentarily entrusted her handbag to another patient after a blood test but never returned to collect it, raising questions about what happened during that critical time.

Anniversaries mark painful reminders of loss. Patricia reflects on her mother's now-missed 80th birthday, a milestone that the family had eagerly anticipated celebrating together, but instead turned into a day for quiet contemplation.

Antigua, a small island with fewer than 100,000 residents, presents an oddly high number of missing persons compared to its Caribbean neighbors. In contrast, nearby St Kitts reported almost all cases accounted for in the past year—a disparity that fuels further speculation about the vanished inhabitants of Antigua. The disappearances paint a troubling portrait, with Patricia noting that rumors of organ trafficking or gang involvement have emerged as possible explanations for the troubling occurrences.

The community's worries intensified following the recent disappearance and tragic discovery of nine-year-old Chantel Crump, whose case ignited protests and public outcry. A suspect has been charged in connection with her murder, sparking renewed interest in the ongoing missing persons crisis.

Acting Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers acknowledges that while the police force has room for improvement, there is no neglect concerning the disappearances. He remains open to investigating all possibilities, including the potential for organized crime.

Families connect through shared grief, and Patricia plans to form an action group to seek international support and public awareness about the growing crisis. The stark reality of the situation is highlighted further by accounts of individuals like Roman Mussabekov, who disappeared during a vacation in 2017, and Orden David, who went missing after a casino outing earlier this year.

Lack of adequate forensic resources poses challenges in investigations, as crucial forensic samples often require shipping overseas for analysis, leading to extended wait times for results. Community members express frustration at their experiences with the police, citing a lack of communication and urgency in addressing the rising number of disappearances.

The plea for action resonates, with calls for enhanced investigative support and resources echoing across the island. Patricia urges authorities to recognize the severity of the situation, emphasizing that it could affect anyone if immediate actions to address the crisis are not taken seriously. As families continue their tireless pursuit of closure and justice, the haunting question remains: who will be the next to disappear in Antigua?