A shocking act of violence unfolded in Belmont on Thursday morning when a routine daycare drop-off turned deadly, leaving three individuals, including a toddler, dead. The attack occurred around 8:35 am along Upper St Francois Valley Road, where gunmen ambushed a vehicle carrying 28-year-old Anthony Wilson and 30-year-old Aquil Kafi. According to reports, as the vehicle came under fire, Wilson and Kafi attempted to flee on foot but were gunned down. Tragically, Kafi’s 23-month-old son, Akini, who was also in the vehicle, later passed away at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital due to his injuries.
The scene was chaotic, with forensic officers recovering 37 spent shell casings, underscoring the intensity of the attack. Amid the mayhem, Antonia Cain-Kafi, mother of the young Akini, remains in critical condition, fighting for her life.
The horrific incident has not only devastated the families involved but has also sent ripples of fear and outrage throughout the community and beyond. This triple murder brings the national homicide count to a grim tally of 130 for the year, further intensifying public outcry over the nation’s escalating crime rate. The Belmont community is reeling from the incident, with authorities urging residents to provide any additional CCTV footage or dashcam evidence that could assist in the investigation.
The tragic event has sparked political backlash, as opposition figures call for accountability and stronger measures to address the nation’s crime epidemic. Opposition MP Stuart Young has demanded the resignations of key security ministers, citing the government’s failure to curb violent crime as warranting immediate action. Meanwhile, the government has responded by reaffirming their commitment to existing anti-crime strategies, with assurances of imminent results from their efforts.
This attack reflects a broader societal concern, with voices across the nation demanding urgent and meaningful interventions to prevent such devastating incidents in the future. As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the loss and seeking justice for the victims, particularly the youngest among them, whose life was tragically cut short.
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