Peto residents indoors before dark after double killings

Though Petit Bordel has recorded violent incidents in the past, including murder, residents believe the two shooting deaths which occurred last weekend are not only shocking but out of character for the rural community.

The 31st and 32nd homicide recorded in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) for 2024 occurred in Petit Bordel within days of each other. The first victim, Stanran Stapleton of Rose Hall, was gunned down on September 27 and the second victim, Othnell Lavia was shot and killed on September 29, a short distance away from where the first shooting took place Residents who spoke to SEARCHLIGHT said the shootings have left many residents feeling ‘a way’ and ‘concerned’ about the likelihood of other killings occurring. The fact that both shootings occurred close to areas where community residents congregate, has also contributed to the unease.

One female resident said many in the community are questioning the motives for the killings. She added that since last Sunday’s shooting she prefers to stay indoors, especially after dark.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate-elect for North Leeward, Kishore Shallow, who was in the community in the aftermath of the shootings, told SEARCHLIGHT the levels of violence in St Vincent and the Grenadines points to the lack of conflict resolution skills.

“I am certain that the people of North Leeward would be at a bit of unease as a result of this. This is very uncommon.

“It’s a matter of encouraging people, not just in North Leeward, but in St Vincent and the Grenadines, to try and resolve conflicts in a non-violent way. At the end of the day, kids are looking up to the elders and adults as an example and if it is a case where every conflict is resolved with a criminal, violent offense, then that is not the best example for our kids. Find a way to resolve things.”

Referencing the homicide count for 2023, which totalled 55, Shallow said the hope is that a similar situation is not repeated this year.

“Of course we would call on police to be more vigilant as well … if there are more resources that are necessary, then we have to find them. We are at a desperate stage for a small country like St Vincent and the Grenadines- 33 murders. Thirty three murders in a country reflects poorly on the police, so they have to find ways to inspire confidence in the people.”

He also commented on the economic fallout which had already been recognized just days after the killings.

“If you are living in a community and you don’t feel safe, this [shooting] is a few feet away from a shop. And if you don’t feel safe coming to a shop any time of day or night, then it’s going to impact the economy of the whole neighbourhood.”

Shop proprietor Movis Matthews said since the shootings, she has seen a slow-down in business activity at night at the La Casa Bar and Grocery.
“On Sunday nights we usually go to 10, 11 o’clock and by 7 o’clock there was nobody on the road, and people generally don’t feel safe being on the road after dark.”

SEARCHLIGHT investigations did not uncover a clear link between the two killings, though residents revealed that the two deceased were friends.