By Makeida Antonio
The Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Division is mourning the loss of one of its employees following a homicide investigation launched by police.
Fifty-two-year-old Margaret Harris’ lifeless body was found in bushes in the vicinity of Wireless Road by a teen on the morning of October 15.
The discovery was reported and police arrived on the scene around 7:30 am. Harris was later pronounced dead at 9:38 am.
Further examination revealed multiple injuries were sustained about her body.
In a post on the Customs Division Facebook page, her colleagues shared their grief, stating that fellow officers were left “torn” and “shaken,” hearing the tragic news of the death of one of their own, whom they affectionately referred to as ‘Maggie.’
Harris was said to be an “extremely valued member” of the Customs Division team as she was very diligent in her duties and was kind to everyone she encountered.
“Besides her dedication to her daily responsibilities, ‘Maggie’ was a friend to many of us, and overall, a wonderful and kind-hearted human being. Her quiet disposition was only broken by a frequent and infectious smile that radiated across the office to warm the hearts of fellow officers and members of the public who came to our headquarters on business,” some officers shared.
Maggie’s co-workers expressed their condolences to her family and friends in light of ongoing investigations by the Major Crimes Unit of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.
“The painful misfortune that befell her is now being investigated by the authorities, and we remain hopeful that they will be guided in the right direction in solving a terrible crime that robbed all of us of a beautiful person. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends from all of us at the Customs and Excise Division as we come to terms with a terrible loss.”
On Sunday, Public Relations Officer Assistant Superintendent of Police Frankie Thomas told Observer that the case is of high priority, as investigations commenced the moment police received the report and went on the crime scene to interview several people on the spot.
Police have not yet identified any suspects.