A massive manhunt has been launched after four people were gunned down on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The deadly shooting rampage claimed four lives on Friday in the tiny nation, where officials have battled to curb escalating gang warfare.
A fifth killing occurred on Saturday, police added, though authorities are yet to establish whether it is connected to Friday's massacre. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force revealed that officers rushed to reports of gunshots in Green Hill, a district situated just outside the capital Kingstown.
Victims found with bullet wounds
"Two bodies were met lying on the public road, the body of a female was discovered in a vehicle that was parked on the public road, and on an adjacent piece of land another body was discovered," acting Police Commissioner Trevor Bailey revealed during a press conference on Saturday.
Bailey confirmed the victims bore what appeared to be bullet wounds. Four others were wounded in the attack, with two remaining in hospital, reports the Express. No arrests have been made and officers are still working to establish what sparked the horrific crime.
Police confirmed they recorded another murder on Saturday, and are probing potential links to Friday evening's bloodshed.
Minister condemns killings
St. Clair Leacock, the national security minister, slammed the "unfortunate" and "unnecessary" killings during an interview with local broadcaster NBC Radio on Saturday. He stated that while St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains a peaceful nation, gang violence has blighted many communities.
Police have reported 37 murders this year in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a country with a population of 110,000. The former British colony consists of 32 islands and cays in the eastern Caribbean and has long depended on tourism as its primary source of revenue.
Tourist hotspot affected
The small archipelago is famed for its volcanic landscapes, pristine coral reefs and white sandy beaches, making it a favourite among yachting enthusiasts. It also boasts several private islands that cater to the wealthy and well-known.
"These homicides create a serious nightmare for us," Leacock said.
