Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Shooting Incident Results in Casualties

A shooting during Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival celebrations resulted in one death and multiple injuries, with the deceased being identified as Irvin Joaquin Mayora. Four others were injured, including a US citizen. The incident is under investigation by local authorities amid ongoing concerns about public safety during Carnival festivities.

During the vibrant Carnival celebrations of Trinidad and Tobago, a tragic incident occurred on Carnival Tuesday, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to four others, including a United States citizen. The victim, identified as Irvin Joaquin Mayora, was a 30-year-old Venezuelan national. The injured parties consisted of 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.

According to preliminary reports, a 61-year-old man from Carapichaima was attacked while walking along the Western Main Road near Vidale Street. He subsequently drew his firearm in self-defense and discharged it, inadvertently striking four bystanders. Mayora managed to flee but collapsed at a distance. The shooter remained at the scene, was detained by security, and later turned over to law enforcement officers, who confiscated his weapon.

All four injured individuals were transported to St James District Hospital for medical attention. One of the victims, a 25-year-old man, was transferred to Port of Spain General Hospital due to severe injuries sustained from a gunshot wound to the head. Fortunately, the other three victims are reported to be in stable condition. A team of law enforcement officials, including senior officers, visited the incident site, where eleven spent 9mm shells were recovered.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Mayora was the individual who initiated the attack but have indicated a strong suspicion. Additionally, it remains unclear if the 61-year-old shooter legally possessed the firearm as of Wednesday morning. WPC Clarke is actively pursuing further investigations into the incident. On the same day of the shooting, officials, including Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds, had previously conducted a ‘confidence walk’ in Port of Spain, emphasizing the police force’s efforts to maintain safety during Carnival, despite earlier incidents being minimal.

The nation is currently operating under a State of Emergency established on December 29, 2024, which grants enhanced powers to law enforcement and the military, although no curfew is currently imposed. Further updates on the situation are anticipated from officials shortly.

The Carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago were starkly contrasted by a shooting incident that claimed a life and injured several others. Irvin Joaquin Mayora was tragically killed, while others, including a US citizen, sustained injuries. The incident has raised concerns regarding public safety, leading to ongoing investigations by the police as they continue to ensure community safety during this festive period.

Original Source: stlucia.loopnews.com