Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Celebrations Sadly Overshadowed by Shooting Incident
A shooting during Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago resulted in one death and four injuries, including a US citizen. The incident occurred when a man was attacked, leading to a chaotic confrontation. Emergency services attended to the wounded, while law enforcement initiated an inquiry to understand the circumstances of the shooting, which occurred amidst festivities intended to celebrate safety and community spirit.
During the vibrant Carnival festivities in Trinidad and Tobago, a tragic incident occurred, resulting in the death of one individual, Irvin Joaquin Mayora, a 30-year-old Venezuelan national, and injuries to four others, including a United States citizen. The shooting took place on Carnival Tuesday along the Western Main Road in St. James.
The wounded include a 66-year-old man from Diego Martin, a 25-year-old man from St. James, a 29-year-old woman from Maraval, and a 65-year-old woman from Maryland, USA. Preliminary reports indicate that a 61-year-old man from Carapichaima was attacked and shot at the suspect, inadvertently hitting four bystanders.
Following the incident, Irvin Mayora attempted to flee but collapsed shortly thereafter. The 61-year-old assailant remained at the site and was subsequently detained by security personnel until the police arrived.
Victims were transported to St. James District Hospital for treatment, with one, the 25-year-old man, being transported in serious condition to the Port of Spain General Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities confirmed that the other three victims were stable.
A team of officers, led by senior officials, visited the crime scene where eleven spent 9mm shell casings were collected. Police suspect that Mayora may have been the individual involved in initiating the attack on the 61-year-old man, but this remains unconfirmed. An investigation is being conducted by WPC Clarke and her team.
This incident followed a recent ‘confidence walk’ led by Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds and acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin. During this event, the officials had expressed gratitude towards both the police service and the citizens for contributing to a largely safe Carnival, with only one prior serious incident reported.
Trinidad and Tobago is currently under a State of Emergency, enacted on December 29, 2024, granting heightened powers to law enforcement, although there is no curfew imposed. A press briefing is anticipated, providing further updates to the populace regarding the situation.
The Carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago were marred by a tragic shooting incident that led to the death of a Venezuelan national, Irvin Joaquin Mayora, and injured four others. Despite the successful endeavors of law enforcement and community efforts to ensure safety during Carnival, this violent occurrence underscores ongoing issues regarding public safety. Investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities seek to clarify details surrounding the events that transpired.
Original Source: stlucia.loopnews.com
