BAHAMIAN STUDENT FOUND DEAD IN JAMAICA

November 11, 2004

Memorial Service Set For Sunday at University of the Northern Caribbean at Mandeville in Jamaica

The Bahamas Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expresses its profound regret over the death of Joseph Burrows, a Bahamian student reported missing in Jamaica and now discovered dead.  The Ministry also expresses condolences to the family of Mr. Burrows. 

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Vincent Peet has confirmed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Fred Mitchell, now travelling in the Caribbean, has directly conveyed the condolences of the Government to Mr. Stephen Burrows, father of the deceased student, Mr. Joseph Burrows. 

Minister Mitchell, on behalf of the Government, has also spoken with the Foreign Minister of Jamaica and received assurances from the Jamaican Government that a complete investigation will be carried out and that no effort will be spared to bring those guilty of causing the death of Mr. Burrows to justice. 

The Bahamas’ Honorary Consul Designate to Jamaica, Ms. Keva Hilton has been instructed to continue to monitor the situation closely. 

Mr. Burrows was in Jamaica studying at the University of the Northern Caribbean at Mandeville and was reported missing by his wife on Saturday 6^th November, 2004. 

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs the Honourable Vincent Peet noted, “We have been in touch with the President of the University, Dr. Herbert Thompson who indicated that there is to be on a memorial service at the University in Mandeville on Sunday 14^th November.  It is expected that a representative of the government will attend that service.” 

Minister Peet advised all Bahamian students studying abroad to “exercise vigilance in their movements given the unfortunate likelihood of crime across the cities of the world”.