Published 15 years ago, updated 6 years ago

January 19th

The body of a young woman has been found in the scrub bushes behind Windward beach at the entrance to Falmouth harbor Antigua. She has been identified as a guest on a visiting cruise ship that was anchored at the entrance to the harbor for the day.

Our thanks to Timothy Shiply for notifying noonsite of this news. Further details below from the Antigua Sun.

Thursday, 21 January 2010 02:07

The police are continuing their investigation into the homicide of an American tourist, Nina Elizabeth Nilssen, and are soliciting the assistance of the general public in solving what appears to be the country’s first murder for the year.

Officials say they are looking for “a person of interest”, who has been described as a tall, slim, black male sporting an afro hairstyle. He was also said to have one gold tooth in front and missing teeth. He was wearing a wearing 3/4 Jean pants.

Around the time of her death, Nilssen was seen at Windward Bay wearing a multicolored wrap skirt, a beige blouse, and leather sandals.

She was described as being approximately 5 ft. 9 inches in height and weighing approximately 140lbs. She was carrying a multicolored shoulder bag.

According to police reports, the body of the American was discovered at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday at Windward Bay in the Pigeon Point Beach area.

Allegations are that the body was found on its back and had what appeared to be a stab wound to the neck.

An executive member of the local yachting sector, who asked for anonymity, said the reaction of the community in English Harbour and Falmouth is one of horror and sadness.

“In a country so dependent on tourism, all forms of crime are damaging to our tourism sectors and tackling crime has to be of the highest priority,” the official said.

The executive noted that there has been quite a bit of reaction from members of the yachting sector to the latest development.

A meeting was held yesterday between government officials, the police and members of the tourism authority, among other key agencies, where the murder was the foremost topic.

News that the woman entered the country on a yacht has struck a nerve in the English Harbour/Falmouth community, wherein 2008 Captain Drew Golan was fatally shot while walking in the area, believed to be a victim of a robbery.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin James has joined the police in their appeal to the general public to come forward with any information they might have regarding the homicide.

James, who was obviously saddened by the news, says that this will certainly have serious implications on the country’s tourism product and makes the job at the tourism authority much harder.

“Any crime committed against our visitors is one too many and it is incumbent on all Antiguans and Barbudans and citizens in this country to work together to bring an end to it.”

James said that the job of the authority is to promote the country through good public relations and marketing strategies, and incidents such as this one puts a damper on the hard work and efforts people in the authority have put in.

He added that the tourism fraternity will conduct a meeting shortly to determine strategies and join hands with the police department to offer whatever support possible.

Members of the public who might have information that could lead to the solving of the homicide are asked to contact the Dockyard Police Station at 460-1002, the Criminal Investigation Department at 462-3913/14 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS with any information into the incident.