DLP calls for end to violence

Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has strongly condemned the killing of 13-year-old Shawnaton Chase who was fatally shot while watching a netball game in Silver Hill, Christ Church on Tuesday.

Below is the full text of the Opposition Leader’s response:

This unspeakable tragedy has been a meeting between wicked violence and precious innocence.At a time of rampant wrongdoing, we have all feared that this dreadful defeat of a young life would take place.

We come to this horrible moment of national mourning, feeling that we have failed in our duty to give to Shawnaton the longevity of life that all our young people deserve.

Can we now commit to ensure that this will be the last sacrifice of a precious young citizen?Do we have that will and that power?In our frail humanity, I hope and pray that we do and that families will no longer be brought to this inconsolable grief.

The Democratic Labour Party today extends sincere condolences to this hapless Chase family and covenants with the people of Barbados that it will be our duty to do all that we must to cease the ruination and suffering that violence visits on the lives of our people.

We humbly ask God to console, comfort, strengthen and reassure the Chase family and neighbours of Silver Hill and the students of the Lodge School and may this beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.