St Vincent’s Acting Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel , along with top officials from the Police, Attorney General’s Office, Coast Guard, and other stakeholders, held a press conference on Thursday to update the nation on the measures put in place in the aftermath of Wednesday night’s mass shooting in Kingstown, which left five (5) people dead and one hospitalized.
Among those killed were people who had survived earlier attempts on their life, Daniel said.
“We are still gathering all of the facts. The police are still in the early phases of their investigations, and In the coming days we will uncover the reasons and persons behind these barbaric acts and follow the facts wherever they lead”.
Daniel stated that he called an emergency meeting of the police force and that they discussed far-reaching solutions aimed at reducing the space in which criminal groups can operate.
“While I cannot reveal operational or tactical details, rest assured that our law enforcement will be robust, engaged, and proactive in their handling of this outbreak. The police and all border control personnel have been put on high alert”.
The Acting PM stated that the police cannot proceed alone in this quest, and that communities must work together with law enforcement to share information and to combat the creeping culture of violence. “At the same time, we must avoid spreading unfounded rumors, particularly through social media, which can obscure the truth and potentially generate unfounded hysteria,” he stated.
“We will not allow criminal elements to make us prisoners fearful. Rest assured that we are treating this attack with the utmost seriousness and that we are committed to our responsibility to preserve the safety of every person in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines”.
Daniel stated that as the investigations advance, the government and police will keep citizens informed of the findings and responses.
“We will also accelerate the implementation of multifaceted measures designed to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and to help prevent such horrific occurrences from becoming commonplace in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines”.
Victims Identified
Police Commissioner Colin John said among the dead are Lamont Hector, Donje Hillocks, Jamal Bobb, Ricky Taylor, and Kashie Primus a 13 year old student.
“We have gathered intelligence about possible reprisals, we are taking this very seriously. I am urging the public’s help to solve this particular crime. We will not mention our plans because those listening are not only law-abiding citizens but those engaged in criminality”.
Concerning a voice note circulating alleging that St. Lucians were involved in the grisly crime, John stated that they are investigating leads, but the inquiry is still in its early stages. Based on the crime scene, he believes an assault weapon was used in the Wednesday night killings.
In response to media enquiries regarding who is committing the crimes, John indicated that less than 100 persons are engaged, the majority of them connected to a 2014 narcotics transaction gone wrong.
John said some of the recent killings are linked; however, these investigations are ongoing.
The country has recorded 35 murders so far in 2023.
