ST. THOMAS — Two videos are circulating in the territory showing children peacefully playing steelpan in a Weslyan church in Contant Thursday evening, when suddenly the loud sound of gunshots rattle the kids, sending them — as well as adults in the building — ducking for cover, confused as to what was happening.
The incident, which occurred at about 6:45 p.m. in Contant according to V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte, left two male victims with multiple gunshot wounds, with one being kept for medical treatment while the other was treated and released.
The V.I.P.D. gave little info as to how the incident occurred, but the force said it was investigating the matter.
The escalation in violence — four people, all young men, have died through gun violence in St. Thomas in the past week — represents the first trial for Winsbut McFarland, who was appointed territorial chief of police by Governor Kenneth Mapp on Monday.
The move by Mr. Mapp is part of the administration’s initiative to clamp down on crime, and Chief McFarland’s efforts have proven effective on St. Croix.
But whether the lauded chief will find success in St. Thomas — where he is lesser known and where the dynamics are different, will take months — if not well over a year — to determine.
Replies
Now that is so sad, and disgraceful. Thank God none of the kids got hurt.
I though was only Trinidad. It gradually get bad all over.