### Tragic Murder of 19-Year-Old in Wolverhampton Shocks Caribbean Island of Anguilla

The island of Anguilla is in deep mourning after the brutal killing of Shawn Seesahai, a 19-year-old who ventured to the UK for medical treatment and academic opportunities. Shawn, originally from The Valley, Anguilla's tiny capital of just 4,000 residents, was found fatally stabbed in Stowlawn playing fields in Wolverhampton last November.

Shawn's journey began with an injury he sustained while playing basketball. Following surgery in the USA for a detached retina, he travelled to England for follow-up treatment and had settled in Birmingham with hopes of studying engineering. However, his dreams were cut short in a horrifying manner far removed from the serene beaches of his homeland.

Two boys, aged 12 at the time of the attack, have been convicted for Shawn's murder, making them the youngest convicted murderers in the UK since the notorious case of James Bulger over 30 years ago. The attack left Shawn with multiple wounds, including one that penetrated his heart.

The news of Shawn's death quickly reached Anguilla, causing widespread grief across the close-knit community. His father, Suresh, expressed his anguish, stating, "They killed my son like they kill a dog. It's brutal." His mother, Maneshwary, recalled her shock upon receiving the fateful phone call from a friend who had been with Shawn that night.

Shawn was known for his joyful personality; his coaches described him as the "jokester" on his basketball team. Pamela Riley, one of his coaches, remarked on the collective sorrow felt by the entire island, saying, "Everybody in The Valley, all the youths, they're very upset. It's very solemn."

Following Shawn's death, his family travelled to the UK to hold a candlelit vigil at the site of his murder. Their return trip for the trial at Nottingham Crown Court required significant financial sacrifice, including using their life savings and taking out a loan to cover the expenses. Unable to afford another trip for the sentencing, they watched via videolink from Anguilla.

Suresh voiced his frustration at the lack of financial support from UK authorities, stating, "I think the government is supposed to contribute because my son didn't do nothing. He died innocent. What I lost I can't get back."

The family, along with the community in Anguilla, remains in disbelief that two children could commit such a heinous act. Reflecting on the senseless nature of the crime, Shawn's basketball coach, Pamela, said the teenager had been full of hope when he left for the UK. "This was his time," she remarked. "It was senseless."

Shawn's tragic death has left a lasting mark on both his homeland and the place where he sought new opportunities. His murder underscores the profound impact of violence and the long journey towards healing for those left behind.