Community activist Stuart ‘Rudy’ Louie shot dead

The sister of slain promoter and community activist Stuart “Rudy” Louie says that the North Leeward community would never be the same, after her brother’s passing.

Speaking by phone to SEARCHLIGHT on the weekend, Urel Louie said that had he been alive, Stuart would have been putting on an event for the children in Rose Bank and surrounding communities.

“On December 14th he was planning on having something for the kids in the community on the court. He wanted to make sure that all the kids in Rose Bank would have a toy or at least something.”

Stuart, a 38-year-old father of nine, succumbed to a gunshot to the chest on Friday shortly after 1 p.m., during an argument with another man at Gibson Corner, where he had gone to visit his brother.

Residents in the neighbourhood told SEARCHLIGHT on Friday that they heard two loud blasts.

When they arrived at the scene of the commotion, Stuart was lying on his stomach in a yard across the street from his brother’s residence.

SEARCHLIGHT was informed that two men were seen fleeing the scene in a vehicle.

Urel said offers of condolences have been pouring in to the family at their Troumaca home, since Rudy’s death was confirmed.

Local, regional and international entertainers who had worked with Stuart during his years as a promoter have also been paying tribute on social media, including on his Facebook page.

At one time, Stuart was also the manager of Roses Crew, which produced local artistes Fireman Hooper and DJ 20.

Over the years, he had been a major force on the national entertainment scene, introducing Vincentians to foreign artistes at his Cherry Hill Club, situated between Petit Bordel and Chateaubelair, where most of his events took place.

Stuart, under the name Hott Vybz Promotions, branched into community work, producing Summa Fest, which reached out to children in the North Leeward community, engaging them in sporting and community activities during the schools’ summer vacation.

His sister said that, given his popularity, it was sad that Stuart had to die the way he did, as he was not known for violence.

“Knowing Rudy, sometimes he wouldn’t talk; unless he right he would talk back hard…” Urel said.

“But to me he don’t keep enemies; other people might have him, but he don’t keep enemies,” she added.

Urel pointed out that her brother’s death would be hardest on his children, four of whom are in secondary schools and four in primary schools, with the youngest just 22 months old.

“I will have to be their supporter now … This is what he would have done for me. He would have been strong for me, so I’m being strong for the kids.”

SEARCHLIGHT was informed that one person had turned himself in to police in relation to Stuart’s death.

Police had not confirmed that information at press time yesterday.

His sister said the family was trying its best to get by, despite the situation, and were awaiting the completion of a post mortem, before finalizing funeral arrangements.