Deadly shooting hits Caribbean islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Police in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines said four people were killed and four others wounded in a shooting on the night before Saturday in the Green Hill area of Central Kingstown. Acting Commissioner of Police Trevor Bailey told reporters officers responded to reports of gunfire and found two bodies on the public road, a third female victim inside a parked vehicle and a fourth body on adjacent land. A preliminary examination indicated all four fatalities had apparent gunshot wounds. Four other people with gunshot injuries were taken to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital; two were treated and discharged while two remained hospitalized on Saturday, authorities said. Assistant Commissioner of Police Brenton Smith confirmed there had been no arrests and said investigators would release information about any motive once intelligence gathering and the probe were further advanced. Police described the attack as part of a broader pattern of gang violence and retaliatory attacks between rival groups. Bailey noted authorities had observed instances of retaliation and said the force condemned such violence, adding that 37 homicides have been recorded in the country so far this year. In response to the shooting, police said they were increasing patrols, conducting searches and enhancing intelligence sharing among units. Bailey also appealed to young people to avoid involvement with criminal groups, urging them to desist from violence. The 32-island nation, known for its beaches and yachting tourism, has relied on tourism as a principal source of income, a context officials have highlighted while stepping up security efforts following the attack.