Man shot dead, three injured in T&T bar as gunman opens fire

-owner to shut business

(Trinidad Guardian) Calls are being made for Snr Supt Johnny Abraham to remain as head of the Central Division police after a gunman opened fire on a group of men in California, yesterday, killing labourer Gerald Deosaran and injuring three others.

Police said Deosaran, 29, of 7th Street, Dow Village, died at Borris Bar along Stalin Street after he was shot in the head by the gunman who walked into the bar pretending to be a customer. Up to last night, Wayne Seepersad, 39, of Temple Street, and Jason “Kimmy” Baboolal, 34, a contractor of Canary Street, Couva, were warded in critical condition at the San Fernando General Hospital. Jainarine Ramnath, 47, a mechanical supervisor of Endeavour, Chaguanas, who was also at the bar, was recovering in hospital in a stable condition.

Reports stated that Deosaran, Seepersad and Baboolal were at the bar liming when around 11.45 am, a man wearing a green pants and T-shirt labelled Cepep walked into the bar to order drinks.

The Guardian was told that the man initially ordered three Carib Pilsners but was told that there was none. He walked outside, returned with another man and ordered a Malta and paid for it. He then pulled a mask over his face and shot the men. At least 11 patrons had to rush for safety while the 65-year-old female bartender ran to the back of the building. One patron said when he heard the shots, he dived to the floor and did not get up until the men left.

Several onlookers at the scene yesterday said crime might increase with the departure of Abraham and they were praying that he did not leave.

Central Division police, including Abraham, Insp Harry, Sgt Toolaram and Sgt Benjamin, responded within minutes but the suspects were long gone. No motive was established for the shooting, but police said they were building profiles on the victims in the hope of finding leads.

Owner to close down business

The owner of the bar, who requested anonymity, said the business, which has been a popular attraction for the past 35 years, would be closed down.

He said the community was usually peaceful, but having been shot and robbed back in 2009, he could not put his family through another traumatic experience.

At Deosaran’s home yesterday, his brother Donald said he left for work on a construction site in Cunupia, but because the material for the job was not ready, he came back to the village. His sister Rhonda said no one knew if Deosaran had been threatened or was in trouble because he rarely spoke to anyone about his problems. She said up to yesterday evening, no one had told his four-year-old son of his death.

Baboolal’s uncle Boodlal Harrychan cried when he learned of Deosaran’s death, saying it was only that morning they spoke to each other. He said when Baboolal and Deosaran returned from work, they joined another man for a lime.

Ramnath’s niece Candice Chin said although Ramnath lived in Chaguanas, he would lime at the bar on Fridays and Saturdays. She said the father of three had just walked into the bar to purchase a drink when he was shot.