Hundreds of family members, friends, classmates and community residents gathered Thursday night for a candlelight vigil honouring Brianna Clarke, the 18-year-old culinary student shot dead in Point on March 26. According to Antigua News Room, the vigil was organised by Clarke's family and drew a large crowd through the heart of the Point community.
The procession began at Baker's Corner before mourners walked solemnly through Bryons Street and Hand Street, pausing near the location where Clarke was found. The march concluded at Paradise Cove, where tributes, prayers and personal reflections were shared among those who knew her.
Candles and phone lights lit the route as the crowd moved largely in silence. Music and song became part of the final gathering at the procession's end.
Clarke's grandmother, Blondelle Hopkins, described her as a calm and gentle presence in the family. She recalled her granddaughter's love of cooking and her aversion to conflict, and delivered an emotional rendition of Tian Winter's Glass House, a song she said was among Clarke's favourites.
Family members spoke of Clarke's ambition to become a private chef. Her sister, Oshari Joseph, called her her "best friend," remembering the close bond they shared growing up together.
Other relatives and friends painted a consistent portrait of a quiet, kind and compassionate young woman. One friend said Clarke "always had a way of making everyone feel seen, valued and loved."
Clarke and another victim, identified as Lewis, were shot outside their Hand Street residence on the morning of March 26. Police have since detained two suspects, aged 19 and 24, as investigations remain ongoing.
Clarke's funeral is scheduled for Thursday, May 21 at 2:30pm at St Andrew's Anglican Church.
