The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) has officially identified the individual who tragically lost his life in a shooting incident at Checker Hall Cross Road, St. Lucy, on the evening of Thursday, January 9. The victim has been named as 30-year-old Vere Ricardo Hoyte, a resident of Isolation Road, Belleplaine, St. Andrew.
According to a statement released by the TBPS, officers at the District ‘E’ Police Station received a report of the shooting around 5:00 p.m. Upon receiving the alert, law enforcement personnel were promptly dispatched to the scene.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Hoyte was socializing in the Checker Hall Cross Road area when the fatal incident occurred. Witnesses reported that a motor vehicle stopped near where Hoyte was present, followed by the sound of multiple gunshots. In the aftermath, Hoyte was discovered lying on the ground.
Emergency medical services were summoned to provide assistance, but tragically, Hoyte was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical doctor. The circumstances surrounding the shooting have left the local community in shock and mourning, as residents grapple with the loss of a young man whose life was cut short in a violent manner.
The Barbados Police Service has launched an intensive investigation into the incident, working diligently to uncover the details and identify those responsible. As part of their appeal for public assistance, the TBPS has urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
They have highlighted several contact points for individuals to share tips or leads, including the Criminal Investigations Department (District ‘E’) at 422-0813 or 419-1737, the Police emergency line at 211, and the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-TIPS (8477). The TBPS emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving such crimes and ensuring justice is served.
This tragic event underscores the ongoing concerns about gun violence and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities in Barbados. The incident has reignited conversations about public safety, crime prevention, and the need for continued collaboration between law enforcement and the public.
For residents in the Checker Hall Cross Road and surrounding areas, the shooting serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community solidarity in addressing these challenges.
As the investigation progresses, the family and friends of Vere Ricardo Hoyte are left to mourn the loss of a loved one whose life was abruptly and senselessly taken. The TBPS remains committed to ensuring that justice is achieved and has called on the public to assist in bringing closure to this case.
