Anguilla’s Silence After Kenny Mitchel’s Death: A Family Betrayed, A Community Still Waiting for Justice Share More than six years after the killing of Anguillian hotel worker Kenny Mitchel , the island remains shrouded in a silence that many residents describe as unbearable. Mitchel, a young father and beloved member of the West End community, died after a violent encounter with American tourist Scott Hapgood at the Malliouhana Resort in 2019. What followed, or rather, what didn’t follow, has left a wound that has never healed. For many Anguillians, this case has become a symbol of how quickly justice can evaporate when power, privilege and international politics collide. Hapgood was charged with manslaughter and initially appeared in court, but he later stopped returning to Anguilla, claiming he feared for his safety. Authorities insisted those fears were unfounded, yet no trial ever took place. No verdict. No accountability. No closure. Inst...
Fresh offshore research suggests Jamaica may be closer than ever to uncovering untapped oil and gas resources, according to UK-based exploration firm United Oil and Gas. The company says new data points to the possible existence of an active petroleum system beneath the seabed, following a recent survey in the Walton-Morant Block off the island’s south coast. While not yet a confirmed discovery, the findings have renewed interest in Jamaica’s long-speculated hydrocarbon potential.
The Walton-Morant Block, a vast offshore area, contains two key sedimentary basins believed to be favourable for oil and gas formation. Over a 34-day survey period, researchers collected extensive seabed data using advanced mapping technology. Core samples taken from multiple locations across the area revealed traces of hydrocarbons, including butanes and pentanes—substances commonly associated with petroleum systems and potential fuel sources.
Oil could inject significant new revenue into Jamaica’s economy, strengthening public finances, reducing debt pressure, and creating fiscal space for infrastructure investment and social programmes—while still raising questions about long‑term stability and responsible management.Image credit: RevoNews
Further scientific modelling has strengthened the case, indicating the likely presence of oil-mature source rocks within the block. According to United Oil and Gas, these early indicators will now be integrated into broader geological assessments as the company refines its understanding of the area. The data will also inform ongoing discussions with potential partners as it weighs the next critical step—whether to proceed with exploratory drilling.
Chief Executive Brian Larkin said the results mark a significant milestone, offering valuable insight into the licence and helping to guide future decisions. His comments underscore cautious optimism within the company, as it balances scientific promise with the financial and operational realities of offshore exploration.
The development comes at a time of heightened global energy uncertainty, with tensions linked to the Iran conflict continuing to influence oil markets. For Jamaica, which relies heavily on imported fuel, even the prospect of domestic production could have far-reaching economic implications. However, any potential path forward will need to weigh economic gains against environmental concerns and the country’s broader commitment to sustainable energy.
