A triple murder, unprecedented on the island of Tobago has brought the 2024 murder toll to 15, surpassing the total of 14 for the entire year of 2023.
Anselm Douglas, 56, of Black Rock, along with Samuel McKain, 56, of Mt Pleasant, and Gregory Hamlet, 53, of Golden Lane, were shot dead in Black Rock. Another individual, Jumoke Duncan, was also shot multiple times and is currently hospitalized in critical condition. Police have determined the incident to be gang-related.
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The cause of death of the three deceased has not yet been determined as they await autopsies.
Reports from the police say that around 12:04 am, a group of persons gambling in Black Rock were approached by three armed men who fatally shot Douglas, McKain and Duncan. The assailants wore camouflage clothing and escaped in a silver Aqua vehicle which was later found abandoned in Lowlands.
A relative of Anslem Douglas, one of the three individuals murdered has expressed deep concern over the rising violence in Tobago and is calling for the resumption of hangings. She told the Express that there seems to be a “gun storm” in Tobago following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
This concerned relative noted that this is the first time she has witnessed such a severe crime wave in Tobago.
She said, “Besides living in Trinidad for a little while for four years working with the PSA, I lived here for all of my life and this is the first time that there’s such an upsurge in criminal activities. To wake up this morning (yesterday) and experience three deaths by gunshot is unprecedented in Black Rock.”
The relative also called for better parenting practices and urged authorities to take stronger action against the escalating crime situation in Tobago.
