NWRHA denies 2 men shot at PoSGH

The North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) yesterday denied claims that there was a shooting within the Port-of-Spain General Hospital on Thursday.

The statement came after social media reports claimed that three men were shot while at the hospital.

Police reported that Jahvannie “Vannie” James, 21, of Upper St Barb’s Road, Belmont and a 31-year-old St Francois Valley Road man were shot while at Darceuil Street, Belmont, on Thursday.

Police said they received a report at 4 pm of a shooting at De Castro Lane, Belmont, where three men were fixing a car when a white Toyota Aqua stopped and gunmen came out shooting.

Two of the men were taken to hospital, where James was declared dead around 4.15 pm. The third man ran from the scene.

In its release, the NWRHA said there was a shooting in Belmont near the south outer perimeter of the hospital.

“The gunshots were audible within specific areas of the hospital, but no damage or injuries were reported by staff. None of the assailants entered the hospital premises. However, two gunshot victims arrived at the hospital—one of whom was declared deceased on arrival, while the other was admitted to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department. In accordance with the new safety protocols established after the June 2024 incident, the NWRHA security plan was immediately activated. Security was heightened, and the A&E Department was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure.”

On June 2, Jayden Reyes, Abdul Williams, Kevin King and Jonathan Arjoon were killed in a gun attack at the PoSGH.

The four, all from Gonzales, were part of a group shot at along Lange Street, Gonzales. After the injured were taken to the hospital, gunmen attacked them again while on the compound.

Since then, the hospital has remained on high alert with increased security measures in place. The NWRHA statement said after police confirmed there was no threat to the hospital, the A&E was reopened to the public.

Responding to the social media claims that James and the other man were shot at the hospital, the NWRHA said: “We urge the public to verify information before sharing, as spreading of misinformation can cause unnecessary panic among patients, staff, and the general public.”

—Jensen La Vende

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