BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Aug 28, CMC –The son of a senior government minister was shot and killed on Monday night.

In a brief statement, the police confirmed that Mickail “Mitch” Liburd, the son of the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Posts, Urban Development and Transport, Ian “Patches” Liburd was killed  as he got out of his vehicle.

Media reports said that Liburd was shot several times by at least three armed and masked men in the Pine Gardens, Shadwell area shortly after 10 p.m. (local time).

His murder, brings to 20, the number of people killed here so far this year.

The police have not issued any further details on the killing and the government has so far not issued a statement.

But last week, the government said members of the Defence Force (SKNDF) were now empowered with policing powers as the twin island Federation continued its efforts to deal with the rising crime situation.

Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Timothy Harris, said that his Cabinet “will use every resource at our country’s disposal to ensure that the peace, stability and prosperity that our people deserve are always available.

“There will be setbacks on the journey, but our commitment to make St. Kitts and Nevis the safest democratic state in the world will never be shaken,” said Prime Minister Harris.

Meanwhile, the main opposition St. Kitts-Nevis labour Party (SKNLP) has renewed its call for a bipartisan approach to dealing with the crime situation.

“These are truly serious times. Labour joins with all God fearing, peace loving, law abiding citizens to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the slain young man. His death, along with those of the many precious souls lost to crime and violence, is a sharp reminder that crime does affect us all and we need to be serious about arresting crime and bringing peace and civility back to our country,” the party said.