Detectives are actively hunting the gunmen behind the triple killing in St James on Sunday, while Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce warned that anyone sheltering the shooters will be pursued with the same urgency as the killers themselves.
In a national address on Monday night, Boyce said the police were clear about the nature of the attack:
“Let me begin by speaking plainly. Last night’s incident was a clear act of retaliation. It was a deliberate attempt to take out the leadership of one of the groups involved in violent criminal activities in this country. That is what this is. We are not guessing. We understand the nature of what happened and we are responding accordingly.”
At about 8:42 p.m., while several people gathered on the beach by the Thunder Bay Bar at Lower Carlton, St James, a silver-coloured vehicle pulled up; three men got out and fired a volley of gunshots that hit four men, killing one on the spot.
By the time police responded to the scene, three of the wounded had been taken by private vehicles to the Sandy Crest clinic in Holetown for urgent attention. Two later died from their wounds. A fourth man remained critically injured in hospital.
The dead have been identified as Jamar Leron Edwards, 34, of 4th Avenue, Lower Carlton, St James; Lyle Anderson Robinson, 33, of 1st Avenue, Lower Carlton, St James; and Jamar Kareem Ramsay, 33, of Brownes Gap, Sargeants Village, Christ Church.
Outlining the sequence of events, Commissioner Boyce said: “A number of persons were liming on the beach when a car pulled up. Three men got out of that vehicle. A large number of shots were discharged.”
He stressed that the shooting was being treated with urgency, with officers interviewing residents and pursuing all available leads.
“Let me be equally clear. This matter is being treated with the seriousness it deserves.”
In a direct warning to those responsible, the commissioner urged them to surrender, warning that “[the police] know who you are”.
“Turn yourselves in. Get a lawyer. Go to the nearest police station and surrender yourselves. Do it now. We know who you are. We know the circles you move in. We know what happened.”
The stern word of caution extended to those assisting the suspects, who, Boyce said, would also face serious consequences.
“Those who are helping them, hiding them, transporting them, housing them, passing messages or assisting them in any way … you will not be allowed to run rampant. The associates of those responsible will not be allowed to move across this country as though there are no consequences,” he added.
Boyce told the nation that the incident was “organised, dangerous violence” and warned against ongoing retaliation.
Further encouraging the gunmen to turn themselves in, he said: “And the way these retaliations are going, it is better that it is us that comes for you.”
The commissioner assured the public that police were fully aware of the individuals and groups involved in recent disputes and were actively working to prevent further violence.
“We know what is happening. We know the nature of these disputes. We know the individuals and groups involved. We are acting,” he said. “We will continue to act until those responsible are put before the courts.”
Appealing to the public for assistance, Boyce urged anyone with information to come forward. “If you know something, say something … This is not the time for silence.”
He also issued a broader warning to those involved in criminal networks: “Barbados will not be held hostage to violent groups. Our communities will not be surrendered to fear, and The Barbados Police Service will prevail.”
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