Elaine McGowan, a 65-year-old British former landlady, was shot dead in a broad daylight attack in Trinidad on July 5, according to her family. She was killed outside her godfather's home opposite Trincity Mall in Trincity, northern Trinidad, while visiting from the UK.
Attack Details
Local media reports indicate that Mrs McGowan was with her husband Ian at around 11am on De La Mare Avenue when a silver Nissan Tiida pulled up alongside them. The gunman exited the vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene, police told the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian. Mrs McGowan was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Centre where she was pronounced dead. Police are still searching for the shooter.
Mrs McGowan previously ran The Castle Hotel pub in Saltwood, Kent, taking over in 2019. Saltwood resident Hemang Patel, who worked at the pub and knew her, described her as a "lovely lady". He told KentOnline: “We’ve always supported each other. She used our shop. We go there [the pub] all the time. She’s always been a helpful and lovely lady. I couldn’t believe what happened to her. It’s a huge shame. To me, she’s always been a brilliant person.”
Community Reaction
Jakki Monroe, the current owner of The Castle Hotel, said “the village is in shock” following the news. She added: "It’s horrific and everyone from The Castle would like to send their condolences to all of Elaine’s family.”
Mrs McGowan's sister Joanne Butcher wrote on Facebook: "Last Sunday, July 5th, my sister Elaine McGowan (nee Butcher) was murdered by a gunman outside my godfather's house opposite Trincity Mall, Trinidad and Tobago. Elaine is survived by her beloved husband Ian McGowan and many, many family and friends. She was in Trinidad conducting business as the Director of Cocal Retreat, my father's farm in Manzanilla and continuing his legacy."
Butcher added: "Elaine, myself and my cousins grew up in South London in the 60's and our parents - all immigrants from T&T - always believed in the values of family and community. If anyone has any information concerning this crime, please contact the police in Trinidad who are conducting a thorough investigation."
Official Response
An FCDO spokesperson told the Mirror: "We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Trinidad and Tobago and are in contact with the local authorities."
