A heartfelt tribute has been paid to 16-year-old Vonde Bowers, a promising Antiguan cricketer who was fatally shot in Gray’s Farm, Antigua, on the evening of 29 July.

The Honourable Daryll Matthew, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, received a formal letter of condolence from Jersey’s Economy Department following the tragic incident. The message expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the young athlete, who had only recently returned from an overseas cricket tour.

Bowers had been part of the Antigua and Barbuda Under-19 cricket team on tour in the United Kingdom and Jersey. According to Jersey officials, he had impressed during his time abroad and had been selected for a longer developmental stay on the island.

“It is a profound sadness that this opportunity will now never come to fruition,” the letter stated. “Vonde’s exceptional ability had earmarked him for further growth, and he represented Antigua and Barbuda with pride.”

In honour of Bowers, players from Jersey’s Under-19 team wore black armbands during their opening match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup Qualifier European Division 1 tournament, held on Wednesday.

Jersey officials conveyed condolences on behalf of their Economy Department and Jersey Cricket, extending sympathies to Bowers’ family and community.

They also expressed hope that the tragedy would not derail growing sporting ties between Jersey and Antigua and Barbuda. “I look forward to working with you in future to ensure that Vonde’s endeavours were not in vain,” the letter concluded.

Local authorities in Antigua and Barbuda continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the teen’s death.