Acting Deputy Police Chief Says Triple Killing Shows ‘Some Resemblance’ to Gang Activity 

By Admin. Updated 6:00 a.m., Monday, July 27, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) believes there are indications that last Friday’s fatal shooting of three men bears similarities to gang-related activity, although investigations are still underway.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Trevor Bailey made the comments during an appearance on Voices, a weekly radio programme hosted by lawyer and journalist Jomo Thomas on WEFM 99.9 FM last Wednesday (July 22).

Asked whether police intelligence suggested the killings were gang-related, Bailey responded that investigators had identified characteristics consistent with that possibility.

“There is some resemblance, yes,” Bailey said.

When Thomas asked what indicators pointed investigators in that direction, while noting that he was not seeking sensitive operational information, Bailey declined to disclose specifics.

“There is affiliation. We know for a fact, from a law enforcement point of view, we know the affiliation of persons. Our investigation has pointed us in a particular direction,” he said.

Police said that approximately 11:45 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, they responded to reports of multiple gunshots in the Chinatown area of Kingstown. On arrival, officers discovered three men with apparent gunshot wounds.

The deceased have been identified as Mr. Claude John, 50, a cart operator of Largo Height; Mr. Karon Bowens, 34, a labourer of Ottley Hall; and Mr. Giovannie Grant, 23, a labourer of Ottley Hall.

Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify the person or persons responsible.

While stopping short of providing further details, Bailey expressed confidence that those responsible would be held accountable.

“This crime will not go unpunished,” he said.

The senior police officer also extended condolences to the families of the victims.

“The organisation expresses its deepest condolences to the Bowens, Grant, and John families who lost their loved ones. That in itself may not necessarily bring the easing of pain that you feel in the loss of a loved one, but this crime will not go unpunished.”

Thomas questioned Bailey’s confidence, noting that Vincentians have heard similar assurances from law enforcement over the years.

“Deputy Commissioner, how many times have we been hearing that now? Since 2011?” Thomas asked.

Bailey responded that he could not recall making such a public commitment himself regarding a specific criminal investigation.

“I can’t remember saying to you, or any other person, in any public pronouncement that a specific crime will not go unpunished,” Bailey replied before reiterating, “This crime will not go unpunished.”

Thomas responded that he hoped investigators would make a breakthrough soon.

Bailey later appealed for continued public support in tackling crime, acknowledging that relations between the police and sections of the public have at times been strained.

“We can come to a common understanding that, yes, there are times when, of our own making, meaning the police, we force our partners, meaning the general public, away from us,” he said.

However, he maintained that most Vincentians want to see violent crime brought under control.

“St Vincent and the Grenadines does not want to see crime, criminals and criminality flourish in our land. None of us want that. It affects all of us. It affects every sector. It affects our tourism. It affects the mindset of our people.”

Police have not publicly identified suspects or announced arrests in connection with last Friday’s triple homicide. The investigation remains ongoing.

With another killing at Lowmans Leeward on Friday, July 24, the homicide count for 2026 now stands at 28.

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