ANDERSON PHILLIPS WAS WELL LOVED in his community of Thyme Bottom, Christ Church.
A simple man of strong industrious character, Anderson, 59, was entrusted with a number of tasks by his employer at Pam’s Variety. Neighbours described him as a fun-loving man who played dominoes and cards well, and matched these skills with thought-provoking arguments on the issues of the day – politics or otherwise.
The roadside shop, just outside of the boundary lines of the Grantley Adams International Airport, provides one of the best vantage points for planes lifting off or landing. It is a magnet for those who enjoy the effortless pastime of seeing the aircraft moving at terrific speeds.
Naturally the variety shop is always a hive of activity in the otherwise peaceful neighbourhood; and it was just like that on Sunday, October 11, last year. Anderson, a father of eight, was there performing his daily work of ensuring the premises were kept clean and stocked, while simultaneously interacting with customers, some of whom he knew, some of whom knew him.
Anderson operated as the though the shop was his, and he carried on whether supervised or unsupervised.
The night of his death was no different.
Ironically, as Anderson completed the securing of the shop, patrolling police acknowledged the lingering group at the front of the shop. The lawmen continued on to their next assignment.
It was around 12:30 a.m. and the home-reluctant group engaged in one last robust discussion before departing unsteadily for their respective retreats.
Anderson as diligent as ever re-entered the shop to accommodate the request of one of the customers and went around the back to ensure everything was protected.
All was not well. At the front, patrons heard sounds of what they thought was a scuffle coming from aback of the shop.
Then the chilling sound of gunshots rang out. It was about 1 a.m.
Instinctively, the previously slow to move group loitering at the front scampered off in a panic, no doubt thinking self-preservation.
A mortally wounded Andersonstumbled on to the nearby property, collapsing in its driveway. Attempts to resuscitate him were futile.
Initial investigation pointed to two assailants in dark clothing with hoods, who had parked their getaway car in an adjacent gap and positioned themselves to observe Anderson’s movements away from the prying eyes of those at the front of the shop.
They pounced on Anderson who fought back valiantly, the evidence suggests. He was able to wound one of his attackers, forcing him to retreat and return in a white, heavily tinted car to collect his accomplice at the front of the shop.
Anderson’s death was one of a number of incidents during that October weekend of unusally high criminal activity. Masked gunman broke into a couple’s home in St George demanding money. The woman was wounded as she fled.
Then an elderly woman was attacked in her home by a man. In another incident a man received gunshot wounds to both his legs after a robbery while walking along Canewood Road in St Michael.
The rash of criminal activity prompted police to issue a caution about strangers approaching homes and about walking along deserted streets. The lawmen also made a public appeal in the case of Anderson; but it brought no results.
The incidents also led to a public outcry and some of the online remarks were specific to Anderson’s killing.
They included:
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What is Barbados coming to? The Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) needs to get a grip on this out-of-control crime. This is absolutely ridiculous that criminals are taking over. What is the Government doing about it?
Anderson was a kind, happy-go-lucky man who bothered no one and was always available for his family and friends, but would not allow himself to be pushed around.
I hope these thugs are caught and given the maximum penalty.
Since it’s alleged that the victim [might have] fought with his attackers, I hope that the cops could find some kind of DNA evidence to help bring the criminals to justice and put them away for life.
When I say for life, I do not mean ten or 15 years.
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