GG’s aide shot, killed in front of daughter

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Police Inspector Carlis Blatch, an Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Governor-General Her Excellency Dame Margaret Pindling, was shot and killed in the area of Dolphin Drive yesterday in front his daughter while waiting to collect his son from school Wednesday afternoon.

The incident unfolded shortly after 3:00 pm, in the busy school zone.  Blatch was reportedly sitting in his vehicle with his daughter when a lone gunman approached and ordered Blatch out of the car.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander on the scene yesterday reported that the incident appeared to be an attempted armed robbery. The victim’s daughter managed to flee and call for help.

“He was in the vehicle awaiting his son who attends the school nearby. The gunman approached and after he was shot he was pulled out of the car while the gunman made his escape in the vehicle,” Fernander said.

Blatch was transported to hospital via ambulance and was said to be in critical condition, however, he died shortly after 6:00 pm as a result of his injuries.

Blatch’s vehicle was found abandoned nearby in the Rock Crusher area.

An emotional Fernander – who was also shot while on duty several years ago – sent a stern warning to the gunman responsible at the scene of the crime.

“Turn yourself in along with your weapon, Go to your church or your pastor… if not we will find you,” he said.

The office of the Governor General issued a statement last night on Blatch’s passing. Noting that Her Excellency was saddened by the loss of Blatch who served as ADC for the past four years.  And a staff of the Governor General for the past 14 years serving with distinction as the officer in charge of protocol. The statement added that Blatch always took care to pass on his expertise to other staff among whom he was highly regarded and he was respected and admired.

In light of the incident, the Honours ceremony scheduled for today at government houses has been postponed until further notice.

About Genea Noel

Genea Noel is the news director and weeknight TV news anchor at Eyewitness News. She began working at Eyewitness News in 2018 as the newsroom editor and was subsequently promoted during her tenure. As a household name who graces the screens of thousands of Bahamian homes each night, Genea has racked up an impressive five Bahamas Press Club awards, including “The Cyril Stevenson Award for Outstanding Political Journalism” (2020), “Best Studio Live Producer” (2020) and “Best Newscast” (2018).