Tobago Writers Guild condemns Ashanti Riley's killing

THE Tobago Writers Guild has condemned the brutal killing of Ashanti Riley.

The teenager’s body was found in a stream at Upper La Canoa, Santa Cruz, on December 4, five days after she got into a PH taxi at the corner of Sunshine Avenue and Lloyd Street in San Juan to attend a birthday celebration for her grandmother in Cocorite.

An autopsy revealed she had been stabbed and beaten. PH taxi driver Luciano Quash, 32, was charged with the murder. Quash a private-hire taxi driver was also charged with the rape of a 16-year-old girl in March.

Riley’s killing triggered condemnation from gender-based bodies and other civic organisations.

The 18-year-old was laid to rest at the San Juan Public Cemetery on December 14 after a funeral service at the Mt D’Or Seventh Day Adventist Church.

On New Year’s Eve, December 31, the guild expressed its disgust and displeasure at Riley’s killing.

“To remain silent as a group in the face of such heartbreaking tragedy would be a tragic omission on our part, so consequently, we have to let our collective voices be heard in condemning such a gruesome act,” it said in a statement.

The guild said all women and girls must be respected, loved and cherished regardless of race, creed or social circumstances.

“To do anything less would be considered a societal injustice.”

The guild also encouraged other civil society organisations, groups and places of worship to also issue public statements of condemnation and shame for the perpetrators of Riley’s killing and other acts of violence and abuse against women and children.

“Our heartfelt condolences we extend to the family of Ashanti Riley and to the many other families who contend with the pain of losing a loved one to abject violence and abuse against women and children.”