A 21-year-old man was stabbed to death at the wake of shooting victim Jahcari Francis on Saturday evening.

Jahkoby Smith, from Sandys, and a second man were both stabbed during a disturbance at the West End Sailboat Club, Sandys, at about 7.15pm.

They were taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where Mr Smith died from his injuries shortly afterwards. The second man received treatment and was released from hospital yesterday.

The hospital was placed on lockdown on Saturday evening, with police officers at the site. A large police presence was also in place at the boat club late into the night.

The killing came a few hours after a home-going service for Mr Francis at Christ Church, Devonshire.

Mr Francis, 20, was shot dead on July 19, in the same house in Upland Street, Devonshire, where his close friend Isaiah Furbert, 19, was fatally shot nine months ago. Police have said their deaths were likely part of a continuing feud between two gangs.

Wayne Caines, the new Minister of National Security who will be meeting with the Commissioner of Police today, said the incident was part of a “national crisis”.

Mr Caines said in a statement: “Young lives are too precious to lose especially in such tragic circumstances.

“Another family now mourns a loss and we must comfort them with our thoughts and prayers.

“This new government has already sought to engage with those sectors of the community required to address the issue of violence and antisocial activity. Our response must be strategic as we set about developing solutions for the long term.”

Mr Caines urged that the island remain calm as the Cup Match long weekend approaches.

He said: “Cup Match is centred on the celebration of the emancipation from slavery and, as we reflect on the significance of these unique two days, I encourage everyone to remember the ties that bind us and to embrace a renewed spirit of community, each doing our part to ease tensions and dampen any talk of further violence.”

A police spokeswoman said yesterday: “Mr Smith was fatally stabbed after he was involved in an altercation that took place at the West End Sailboat Club, Sandys. At that time, there was a wake being held for the late Jahcari Francis.

“Police and EMTs rendered assistance to Mr Smith at the scene. However, he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

“A second man who was also stabbed during the same altercation was transported to KEMH via private car. That man has been treated and released from hospital care.”

The spokeswoman was unable to provide a description of any suspect from Saturday night, or details on how they left the property.

Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Leader of the Opposition, issued a statement of condolences.

“It is with heavy hearts that we learn of the death of another young man to senseless violence,” she said.

“We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends as they grapple with this painful tragedy.

“We encourage the community to embrace this family as they mourn the death of their beloved son, and pray that we can come together as a people in trying to arrest this devastating trend.”

Witnesses, or anyone who may know the movements of Mr Smith, are urged to call Acting Inspector Dean Martin of the Serious Crime Unit on 717-2074 or 247-1739, or the confidential Crime Stoppers Hotline on 800-8477.