St. Lucia PM voices shock over shooting death of Animal Society member

PM Kenny Anthony

Thursday, September 18, 2003

CASTRIES, St. Lucia: St. Lucia Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony has expressed shock and dismay over the shooting death of Ms. Jane Tipson, a founding member of the Saint Lucia Animal Protection Society. 

Police reports indicate that Ms. Tipson was shot at 1.20 a.m., on her way to her home in Monchy yesterday morning.

Ms. Tipson, a Briton, reportedly fought passionately to secure better, more compassionate treatment of animals, a government statement said. 

"Through SLAPS, her regular columns in the newspapers, and her work with volunteer veterinarians in addressing the problems of stray cats and dogs, Ms. Tipson worked assiduously to ensure a better understanding among the local populace of the myriad issues related to animal rights and welfare," read the statement. 

She also played an important role in shaping the Animals Act that was recently passed in Parliament.

Prime Minister Anthony says took the opportunity to reiterate the government's resolve and commitment to curbing crime on the island. 

Last night, friends remembered her as a great person.

AP quoted Mr. Chris Hackshaw, president of the island's Whale Watching Association, as saying, "This is the biggest shock. I can't think of any reason why anybody would want to hurt Jane, she doesn't do anything but look after animals. I don't know if its a robbery or what but I can't imagine a motive." 

Mr. Erich Hoyte, senior research associate with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society in the UK, said he had spoken to and e-mailed Ms. Tipson frequently."She was a very great and dedicated conservationist," he said. "She did a lot for local wildlife on St Lucia and in the Caribbean. Jane was always so helpful and friendly. It's a great loss to her family and the people who worked with her." Ms. Tipson, 53, was shot once in the chest. Police up to last night had not yet discovered a motive for the attack, which took place as she was driving her car on a private road leading to her house.There have been 22 killings on St Lucia this year. Police have blamed much of the violence on drug-related gangs.

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