Tobago Correspondent
Days after celebrating his birthday, a man from Quarry Street, Port-of-Spain was shot dead in Tobago on Thursday night.
The killing pushed the island’s murder count to three for the year.
Up to last evening, Tobago investigators were still in the dark over a motive behind the murder of Nigel Julien, also known as “Tall man.”
Police said at 8.48 pm, Scarbrough police received a report of a shooting at Lambeau Signal Hill Road. When they arrived, they found Julien lying in a yard with multiple gunshot wounds about the body.
Officers said Julien, a 44-year-old mason, moved to Tobago years ago. He celebrated his birthday last week Sunday.
His murder came less than three weeks after Tobago recorded its first two murders.
On January 2, 28-year-old Wanya Kareem Small was shot dead while walking through a track in Patience Hill. Another man was injured in the shooting.
Then on January 12, Akinde Bissoon, of Sou Sou Lands, was found shot dead on the roadside in Old Grange.
As police processed the scene of Thursday’s murder, officers received a report of an active shooting at Lowlands.
Investigators said Ramesh Ramsook, 29, was playing a game of cards on his veranda outside his Lowlands, Hampden home at 11.30 pm when he felt a burning sensation as he walked inside. The gunmen escaped.
Ramsook, 24, was the brother of Clifford Ramsook, who was shot dead in Goldborough in December last year. Ramsook was taken to the Scarborough General Hospital, where he was treated for gunshot wounds in his left shoulder and right leg. Up to yesterday, he was in a stable condition.
Crime Scene Investigators recovered five 9mm projectiles from the scene.
Meanwhile, Tobago Police Division head Collis Hazel said the police are optimistic that the recently launched operation “Clean Sweep” will address the growing crime problem on the island.
He told Guardian Media via WhatsApp that the initiative involves targeted crime intervention exercises aimed at reducing criminal activities, particularly those involving firearms, delinquent drivers, gang-related activities, and drug offences.
The operation has already led to the arrest of eight individuals.
Hazel said traffic enforcement measures have also been implemented, resulting in the issuance of numerous traffic tickets for various offences.
Over 100 stop-and-search operations have been conducted over the past two weeks to increase police presence and deter criminal activities.
He said the Tobago Division’s proactive approach and collaboration with support units have been commended, with the ongoing efforts expected to contribute to a safer and more secure Tobago in the coming weeks.