Worrying security conditions in Saint Lucia continue to deteriorate as the country struggles to get a handle on a worsening situation of gun violence.
What has been noted as a very bloody weekend in the country kicked off with the murder of a British National and the wounding of another as they visited a bar in the popular west coast town of Soufriere, on Saturday.
Reports say the deceased, Donnie McKinnon, a Scottish national, had been living in Saint Lucia for some time before the incident.
At the time of the incident he was in the company of his known friend Peter Jackson, another expatriate who had become well known in the community.
Emergency response personnel responded to the scene about 4:30 pm.
McKinnon was found lifeless at the scene, while Jackson was conscious and able to relay his injuries to first responders. Jackson sustained at least one gunshot wound to his shoulder and was transported to the Soufriere Hospital in a stable condition following the incident.
Later that same day, about 9 pm, a mass casualty shooting sent shockwaves through the north of the island.
Reports say 13 people, as young as 16 years old, sustained gunshot wounds after gunmen opened fire on a vigil held in the community of Cacoa, Babonneau.
The victims were among persons gathered to mourn the death of Maulins Delice, a resident of the community who was fatally shot in his home on November 17.
There have been no deaths reported in relation to the incident, although several victims are said to be requiring surgeries.
Saint Lucians had very little time to react to this incident before news broke of another fatal shooting, this time in the south of the island.
On Sunday, a 24 year old man was shot in the southernmost district of Vieux Fort.
The Saint Lucia Fire Service reports that the victim had multiple visible penetrating wounds about the body. Details on this incident are still emerging.
Saint Lucia’s Homicide toll stood at 68 following that most recent shooting incident.