Written by :
Published on :
When one things of the tiny Caribbean island of Antigua, the first thoughts that come to mind are usually crystal clear beaches, white sands, quietude, high prices geared towards Europeans and online gambling. After all, this is the island nation that has been in a bitter fight with the US Government for a number of years now, having won a decision in the World Trade Organization that allows Antigua to host Internet gambling businesses (and of course charge them an arm and a leg).
This past week, Antigua (normally considered a "safe" island) found itself at the forefront of the news....and it wasn't good. A botched robbery and when all was said and done, a bride and groom lay dead. The bride was killed instantly at the scene. The groom was pronounced brain dead this weekend.
Ben Mullany and his bride Catherine - both 31 and both doctors - arrived from South Wales in Antigua on their honeymoon last week.
It also emerged today that a man alleged to be a beachside drug dealer who goes by the name of "Cloud" has been arrested in connection with the shooting of the honeymoon couple, according to the London Telegraph.
The bandana-wearing Rastafarian Clarence James regularly befriends holidaymakers on Antigua's white sandy beaches.
After questioning more than 30 people over the horrific shooting murder detectives say he is the one of "most interest" to them.
They are questioning whether James has an alibi for the time of the 5am bungled robbery just over a week ago in the Welsh couple's luxury cottage at the Cocos Hotel.
Mrs Mullany's funeral service is to be held in the same church where the couple were married only three weeks ago.
Wedding guests will return to say goodbye at the 12th Century St John the Evangelist Church in her home village of Cilybebyll, near Pontardawe, South Wales. Prayers were said for the couple at the church today.
One worshipper said: "Catherine grew up here, everyone knew her and the whole village turned up on the day to see her getting married. Now her funeral will take place here, it's just too awful to contemplate."
Antiguan police said they had arrested James twice and he was last taken in for questioning during the early hours of Saturday. He has allegedly admitted selling marijuana.
