ST JOHN'S (CMC):

The Antigua and Barbuda government is offering an EC$100,000 (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents) reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the brazen daylight murder of a mother on Tuesday.

National Security Minister Dr Errol Cort, in expressing "deepest condolences" to the family of Susan Powell, said that "no stone will be left unturned in bringing the perpetrator to justice in this matter.

"I am outraged; outraged and saddened at the horrific tragedy that saw the life of a young mother being indiscriminately taken," he said in a statement.

Cort said that the government would soon be utilising all "necessary legal processes needed to give effect to the death penalty" reminding citizens that it remains a part of the law of Antigua and Barbuda.

"Also, I will be shortly taking to Parliament a criminal justice bill, that will seek to not only increase the penalties for gun-related and other serious crimes, but will also seek to create a number of new offences and stiffer penalties in an effort to further control criminal activities taking place in the country."

Police said that 38-year-old Powell, a mother of five, was gunned downed at her workplace in the capital.