A cloud of grief has settled over the typically quiet neighborhood of Deane’s Village, Hindsbury Road St Michael, following the shooting death of 42-year-old Andre Burgess, who relatives say was working hard to turn his life around.
Police received reports of gunshots at around 9:18 p.m. on Thursday evening. Officers from the Bridgetown Division responded and found Burgess’ lifeless body on the roadway next to a car.
Investigators said Burgess, a former employee at the National Conservation Commission (NCC), and another man were speaking when three masked men approached them and opened fire, striking them both.
A medical doctor visited the scene and pronounced death. Police have yet to provide a formal update on the second victim.
His mother, Charmaine Burgess, recounted the chilling moments she realised her firstborn had been killed. Having spoken to him the day before, she was preparing for work when the sound of gunfire shattered the silence.
Charmaine Burgess
She recalled hearing a “pop-pop-pop” sound that “didn’t even sound like a regular gun” at first. Shortly after, her son’s girlfriend arrived at her door with the devastating news.
“I see my child slumped by the side of the car wheel,” the devastated mother said.
She admitted that while her son had a history with the police in his youth, he had matured significantly, becoming a quiet “homebody” who focused on fitness.
“I’m 60. I lived half of my life already… let my child live,” she cried.
She recalled a brief conversation on Thursday morning between the two regarding a court fine he had worked hard to save for.
”He had a case today… and he had a fine to pay. I went and knocked on the door yesterday morning… I asked if he get through. He tell me yeah he get through. That was the last time I talked to him,” Burgess recalled.
A close relative echoed these sentiments, describing the deceased as a man defined by his devotion to his two young sons.
“You would know that nobody ain’t perfect, but when it came to being a father, he was the most perfect father in the world,” the relative said.
They explained that he was determined to ensure his children did not live the life he had led, shifting his entire routine to revolve around “work, gym, work, gym.”
The relative, who recalled seeing him five minutes before the shooting, expressed the terrifying speed of the attack, noting, “As soon as I stepped right back in the house… all I hear was gunshots. I was like, ‘Oh God, no, no, no.’”
Neighbors in the village, some of whom have lived there for generations, expressed shock at the level of violence reaching their doorsteps. They described Andre Burgess as a quiet guy.
A resident told Barbados TODAY they were in bed when the shots rang out.
“I lay here…and I waited until everything was done and then they (the police) came,” the resident stated.
Another resident, who remembered when “stick licking” was the only form of conflict, lamented the shift toward gun violence.
“I had to tell myself I ain’t sitting down out here late pon’ no night. The place got you scared, not really scared, but careful. If that could just happen, anything can happen,” he said while explaining that he no longer feels safe sitting on his porch.
The calculated nature of the attack has left the community looking for answers.
One resident remarked, “God knows nobody don’t come and kill nobody just so… that was execution style, so that was personal.”
Police are currently investigating the matter and looking for the three
suspects seen fleeing the area in black hoodies.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting to come forward immediately.
