Tobago Correspondent
Tobago investigators are closing in on the perpetrators of two more homicides committed this year.
While the officers haven’t formally charged suspects involved in the matters, they are confident their findings will bring justice to the victims’ families.
The island’s murder toll stands at ten for the year. Of this total, police have managed to solve two.
In March, 20-year-old Jamal Samuel was remanded into custody in connection with the murder of 28-year-old Wanya Kareem Small and the wounding of another individual on January 1 at Patience Hill.
Samuel, who is unemployed and lives in Signal Hill, appeared virtually before Master of the High Court Sarah De Silva.
He faced charges of murder, shooting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition and was remanded to reappear on June 3.
Then on May 21, Hilton Ollivierre, 49, of Crown Point, appeared before High Court Master Sookra Goswami virtually, charged with the murder of Deborah Gopaul, 56.
Ollivierre, a straightener, is expected to reappear January 30 next year.
Gopaul was found dead in a burning vehicle on March 26 along the Claude Noel Highway.
Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, Snr Supt Rodhil Kirk preferred not to identify which two homicide investigations were nearing completion.
“There are two (homicides) on the burner that they are close to closing. They still have to consult but they are at a stage where they would soon approach the DDP,” he said.
“The homicide investigations are a bit complex and sometimes it may seem the officers are moving a bit slow but that is to be thorough. They are challenged by resources, however, they are perusing all angles.
“I have seen the dedication of the officers. They are showing devotion and because of this, I know the officers will bring results.”
He added, “I ask the public to be patient with us and the officers will bring good news in slowing the last set of homicides we had.”
Earlier this week, 15 officers from the Inter-Agency Task Force and the Guard and Emergency Branch arrived on the island to boost law enforcement capabilities on the island. A second group of officers will be joining them in the upcoming days, making a total of 24 officers from these units in Tobago.
Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, ACP Collis Hazel confirmed the officers began operations on Tuesday, and executed a major drug block exercise in Roxborough on Thursday.
A third batch of 21 officers from recent recruits is expected to arrive on Thursday.
At a town hall meeting in Charlotteville last Monday, Hazel said the new officers’ arrival is essential for strengthening the police service on the island.
He said he was confident in the police force’s ability to effectively combat crime and ensure public safety with the addition of these personnel.
The island has seen a 50 per cent increase in its murder toll so far this year with ten killings recorded in the first five months of 2024.
One month ago, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine called for more specialist units on the island after Tobago recorded the spike in murders. Following this, he announced plans to set up an office to house the Inter-Agency Task Force and Guard and Emergency Branch in Tobago for the first time.
Tobago murder victims 2024
January 2: Wanya Kareem Small, of Patience Hill (Shot); Solved
January 12: Akinde Bissoon, Sou Sou Lands (Shot)
January 25: Nigel “Tall Man” Julien, Port-of-Spain (Shot)
February 15: Vernon Thomas, Mt Grace (Shot)
March 2: Jafari Fraser, Glamorgan (Shot)
March 26: Debra Gopal, Lowlands (asphyxiation); Solved
May 4: Shellon Walters-Joseph, Mt Marie, Scarborough (Shot)
May 9: Nekisha Sandy, Plymouth (Shot)
May 15: Anthony Maynard, Plymouth (Shot)
May 18: Samuel “Indian” Maharaj, Mt Zion, Whim (Shot)