BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE body of a 60-year-old man was discovered this morning (Dec. 30) within a canefield in St. Paul's Village and police are investigating.
The article earlier published, headlined “American businessman found dead in White Gate area”, is misleading due to the fact that no information was coming from the police even though the incident occurred before noon.
However, a press release sent by Commissioner Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn late this afternoon did not disclose the nationality of the deceased but noted he was an employee of Rawlins Estate.
According to the release, police are investigating “the death of a 60 year-old man who was found in a rural field on the western end of the island of St. Kitts”.
It stated that police were called to the scene near Belmont Estate and the Rawlins Plantation at about 11:45 a.m. today to investigate reports of a man found not breathing, with apparent stab wounds in his torso, and that he was pronounced dead at the scene.
It further stated that the deceased was living on St. Kitts for the past 10 months and his identity would not be revealed until his next of kin is notified.
“We deeply regret this unfortunate incident and send our heartfelt condolences to the next of kin who will be notified before the identity of the victim is released,” the release quoted Commissioner Walwyn as saying.
It also quoted Detective Inspector Charles Smithen of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), who said, “A major investigation has been launched into the circumstances of the man’s death and how the man came to sustain his injuries. Police are seeking two persons of interest in connection with the incident.”
The CID Head is urging that “anyone with information pertaining to this incident should come forward at their earliest opportunity or call 869-662-2145. All information will be treated with confidentiality."
SKNVibes heard about the incident shortly after noon but failed in its attempts to contact the Police Press and Public Relations Officer.
However, after 3:00 p.m., contact was made with Assistant Commissioner Ian Queeley who holds the responsibility for Crime.
He confirmed that the incident did take place but he could not provide details or any statement on the matter.
This media house also attempted to reach Commissioner Walwyn for a comment but was informed by text messages…”Sorry, I am busy. Call back later.”
According to Detective Inspector Smithen’s statement, this has to be the 34th homicide recorded in the twin-island Federation for 2011, as the police are “seeking two persons of interest in connection with the incident”.
