United Nations official found deceased in Antigua hotel room

A UN official was found deceased in their hotel room at the Jolly Beach Resort in Antigua and Barbuda on March 5. Authorities have yet to publicly disclose the deceased’s name or nationality.

Primary reports suggest that the “middle-aged” official was part of a larger UN delegation team that was tasked with preparation assistance for the 4^th Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). The event is scheduled to take place in Antigua and Barbuda from the 27^th to the 30^th of May, it aims to discuss and tackle unique challenges faced by member nations in relation to sustainable development. Local authorities were made aware of the deceased official around 7 PM on the 5^th of March. Police spokesperson Inspector Frankie Thomas described Tuesday evening's tragedy as a “sudden death” and revealed that a standard investigation is underway.

As of this point in time, the cause of death is undetermined, reports from various media outlets have suggested that no foul play or backhanded dramatic events have been suspected, however, authorities and officials have not yet publicly confirmed any relevant details.

It is too soon to determine the series of events that led to the official’s demise, witness statements, security footage reviews, autopsy reports and various other elements of the “standard investigation” are yet to take place before the authorities will share any information publicly.

The death of the UN official has set a negative undertone on the pre-conference period; however, preparations will continue as planned. The SIDS4 conference will continue to tackle the issues facing the disproportionately vulnerable nations to various global challenges. The UN’s assistance will also continue as planned, Li Junhua, Under Sec-Gen for economic and social affairs said in a statement “The United Nations is committed to supporting islands in their quest for a more resilient and sustainable future. They may be geographically remote, but their problems are not theirs to face alone.”

The international community has a critical opportunity to come together, share knowledge, and develop concrete solutions to support island nations in building resilience and achieving sustainable development.