The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

POLICE stressed yesterday that they do not suspect foul play in the death of a local government official from Mayaguana who was found dead in a home in eastern New Providence on Saturday. They have ruled it a sudden death until an autopsy has been completed.

“We did not see anything, no marks or anything on the body that would suggest foul play despite all the rumours on social media,” head of the Central Detective Unit, Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander said yesterday.

“We are investigating this incident as a sudden death unless an autopsy or a pathologist says anything different.”

The deceased, identified as Mayaguana Chief Councillor Shandika Charlton, was in the capital for an awards banquet. She was married with one daughter.

According to police, Mrs Charlton’s lifeless body was discovered in the bathroom of a home at Benson and Crouch Close in Dan Nottage Estates shortly before 5pm.

In a statement released on Sunday, Financial Services and Local Government Minister Hope Strachan confirmed Mrs Charlton’s death.

The Sea Breeze MP said she and local government officials were “shocked and extremely saddened” to learn of the sudden passing of Mrs Charlton while she was in New Providence.

Less than 24 hours before the discovery of her body, Mrs Charlton was being honoured at the Local Government 20th Anniversary Awards Ceremony for her dedicated efforts toward the advancement of local government.

Mrs Charlton had served on the District Council for the island of Mayaguana from 2005.