Five males dead following mass shooting in Kingstown

Five males, including a teenager are dead following a mass shooting Wednesday night in which seven persons were hit.

Four persons died on the spot, one died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, while one other person remains hospitalized following the incident which took place at about 8:00 pm on July 19 in the Harbour Club area of Upper Bay Street, Kingstown.

SEARCHLIGHT understands that a seventh person was grazed in the face by a bullet but did not go to the hospital.

One of the dead is said to be a 14-year-old boy.

Persons who were in the area at the time of the incident told SEARCHLIGHT that a vehicle drove up to the area and the gunmen used what sounded like automatic firearms to carry out their deadly assignment.

Commissioner of Police Colin John in a statement issued early on Thursday said “despite the regrettable spate of violence”, St Vincent and the Grenadines “is still a safe place”.

He said the police processed the scene of Wednesday’s shootings and are carrying out further investigations into these shooting and other offences.

He expressed condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased persons and asked for the public to come forward with any information they may have.

“We are also asking anyone with information that can lead to the arrest and conviction of persons who have committed these crimes and other crimes to provide the police with such information. This information can be sent via telephone number 911, 999, 4571211 or 4561810 or any police officer who you are comfortable communicating with. Be assured that the information would be held to the strictest of confidence. Additionally, there are laws in place in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to give evidence without their identity being revealed. This can be done by virtue of The Witness Special Measure Act.”

He also informed that widely circulated reports of other shooting incidents on Wednesday night were false and called on the public to stop the circulation of false information.

“There is also information being circulated of other shooting incidents in St. Vincent and the Grenadines tonight. This information was checked out and found to be false. There was no shooting in Ottley Hall, Campden Park, Fairbane Pasture or any other part in St. Vincent and the Grenadines tonight. Persons are advised to stop spreading and circulating false information.”

“The public is reassured that despite the regrettable spate of violence that we are currently experiencing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, SVG is still a safe place. We have one week ago concluded a successful, enjoyable and generally adverse incident free Vincy Mas. Thousands of people enjoyed the carnival and had fun in a safe environment,” the Commissioner said.

“The serious crimes that are being committed are by and large committed by a very small group of people against others of the same ilk. We advised person to settle their differences in a more mature, civilize and amicable manner. Also, we strongly advocate that person respect the rights to life of each other.

“The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is embarking on new methods of policing while utilizing the tried and tested police practices. We coveted your continued corporation and support in this venture to make all of us safe,” the CoP’s statement ended.