UPDATE: Masked assailant approached minivan and opened fire on Ekron

By Admin. Updated 2:26 p.m., Sunday, June 30, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said Sunday (June 30) it is investigating a homicide that occurred on the afternoon of June 29, 2024, in the Ottley Hall community.

In a press release, the police said: “The victim, identified as Ekron Edwards, a 33-year-old minibus driver and resident of Ottley Hall, was fatally shot by a masked assailant”.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that around 2:00 PM, Edwards was plying his trade in the Ottley Hall community when a masked assailant approached his minivan and opened fire. Edwards sustained multiple gunshot injuries and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out on the deceased to ascertain the exact cause of death,” police said.

The RSVGPF said it is fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible for this heinous act are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We appeal to anyone with information that could assist in solving this case and other cases, to come forward. Please contact Police Emergency at 999/911, Police Control at (784) 457-1211, or the Criminal Investigations Department / Major Crimes Unit at (784) 456-1810, or any police station.

The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force said it extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and to all those affected by this tragic incident.

Ekron’s death marks the 25th homicide in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for 2024. (Updated)

Last year, this country recorded a record 55 homicides.

The crime situation

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has blamed the easy access to guns in the U.S. and young people who have a fascination with guns as part of the reason for the increased number of gun-related deaths here.

But, former police commissioner- Mr. Colin John said publicly in 2023 that based on intel, most of the homicides being committed in the country are linked to a drug transaction that went wrong sometime in 2014 where friends became foes.

Many Vincentians are of the view that the homicides being recorded are drug-related and the result of criminal elements in the country “taking out each other” in reprisal fashion, and that the rest of the country is unscathed.

Still, many have expressed grave concerns and the need for more action to reduce the incidences of gun violence.

Recently, a 91-day National Firearm Amnesty Programme was held by the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, but as of May 31, when the programme ended only 18 firearms and 327 rounds of ammunition were handed in.

The programme commenced on March 1, 2024, and concluded on May 31, 2024.

The government has also announced the introduction of high-tech scanners at the ports of entry to detect weapons after several high-powered rifles and ammunition were detected coming through the ports.