Former UK High Commissioner to T&T Arthur Snell took to social media to knock personally the Police Service regarding the apparent lack of action in solving crimes against foreign nationals in Tobago.
Snell also made it clear yesterday his comments were no longer that of a British official but rather his personal views, adding that statements made by him were also in any way representation of the British High Commission or the British Government.
Richard Wheeler, 73, a lawyer, and his wife Grace, 67, an estate agent, were hacked to death at their Carnbee home on Tuesday.
The international newspaper, the Daily Telegraph, described the incident as the “latest in a series of unsolved attacks by machete-wielding assailants against expatriates and tourists on the island.”
Wheeler suffered slash wounds to his head and arms and his wife’s throat had been cut.
Areas of their house, including the living room and a bedroom, had been ransacked.
Peter and Murium Green were also slashed and stabbed in Tobago in 2009 and are suing the State for £200,000. Their attacker has never been found..
Their German neighbours on the island were murdered last November.
Hubertus Keil, 74, and wife Brigid, 71, were butchered in Bacolet, near where the Greens had their holiday home. Nobody has been charged.
Regarding the unsolved murders, Snell, who posted a tweet, said: “There have been a spate of murders and attempted murders of foreigners in Tobago, not one of which has been detected.
“In my discussions with TTPS (T&T Police Service), I was shocked at the casual, leisurely manner with which these cases were handled, allowing them to run into the quicksand and the unsolved pile. Sadly, I can't see any reason why this case will be any different.
In response to a tweet that Senior Sup of Tobago Division Joanne Archie assured that the Wheelers’ killings would be solved Snell said: “No doubt, as vigorously as the investigation into the Keil murders... or the Greens’ attempt... or the Swedish couple...”
Meanwhile, the UK advisory to this country has been updated as it mentioned, not by name, the recent murder of a British national in the Riseland area.
The advisory also recommended its nationals to “maintain at least the same level of security awareness as you would in the UK and make sure your living accommodation is secure.
“Don’t carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewellery. Use a hotel safe to store valuables, money and passports. Petty theft from cars is common.
“Villas, particularly those in isolated areas, should have adequate security, including external security lighting, grilles and overnight security guards.
“Don’t walk alone in deserted areas, even in daylight. This includes beaches like Englishman’s Bay, King Peter’s Bay and Bacolet beach unless you are in an organised group. Consult your tour operator if in doubt.
“Be vigilant at all times and carry a mobile phone with roaming capability for use in emergency.”
The advisory included pre-existing warning of a high level of gang-related violent crime in Trinidad, particularly in the inner city neighbourhoods east of Port of Spain’s city centre...Laventille, Morvant and Barataria.
“This crime tends to occur within local communities but can sometimes affect visitors.
“If possible, avoid travel outside major populated areas late at night and before dawn. There have been incidents of violence and fatal accidents caused by erratic driving to and from Piarco International Airport, particularly on the Beetham and Churchill-Roosevelt Highways and Lady Young Road,” the advisory said.