Chief of Police among those leading marchers to the Landsome Bowl.

August 16, 2007: As many as 200 persons marched from the Caribbean Commercial Center to the Landsome Bowl cultural center as part of the day of Mourning, Repentance and Prayer as declared  by the Government of Anguilla. They were met by several others who drove to the location. Religious Groups, Civic Organizations, Parents, Teachers, elected officials and members of the general community settled under the mid-afternoon sun to listen to a variety of persons present prayers, songs, music and speech calling for an end to violence in Anguilla.

By 11:00am on Thursday, Commercial Banks and many businesses around town had closed their doors in accordance with the half-day given to allow for voluntary participation in the rally.

Traditionally an island renowned for its tranquility and non violent nature, Anguilla has seen a significant increase in crime which in many ways has paralleled its economic growth.  In the past three weeks there has been at least three separate shooting incidents in the South Hill - Blowing Point region of the island with two incidents resulting in the death of two Anguillians in their early 20's. Complicating the task of bringing perpetrators to justice is an apparent culture of silence that surrounds these and other crimes.