A tragic incident unfolded in Kingstown, St. Vincent, where five individuals lost their lives in a shooting near the cruise ship terminal. Authorities are investigating the Wednesday night attack, and no arrests have been made at this time. The motive remains unclear.
This incident contributes to a concerning increase in violent crime on the island nation. With 35 homicides recorded this year, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is approaching the record 42 killings reported in 2022. Police Commissioner Colin John, while acknowledging the troubling trend, reassured the public that the islands remain safe.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, currently on an official visit to Morocco, addressed the shooting in an online video, pledging increased security measures while refraining from disclosing specifics. He condemned the flow of illegal weapons, seemingly pointing to the U.S. as a source, and urged the public to remain calm and resolute in combating crime.
This event follows recent U.S. initiatives to combat arms trafficking in the Caribbean, including a multi-million dollar investment announced by Vice President Kamala Harris, and the planned appointment of a coordinator within the U.S. Justice Department to focus on the issue.
