A former British landlady was tragically killed in a daytime shooting incident in the Caribbean. Elaine McGowan, aged 65, who previously managed The Castle Hotel pub in Saltwood, Kent, lost her life outside her godfather’s residence across from Trincity Mall in northern Trinidad on July 5.
Reports indicate that Mrs. McGowan and her husband, Ian, were on De La Mare Avenue when a silver Nissan Tiida approached them around 11 am. A gunman emerged from the vehicle, fired shots at Mrs. McGowan, and then fled the scene. She was rushed to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Centre, where she was pronounced dead. Authorities are actively seeking the perpetrator.
Hemang Patel, a resident of Saltwood who had worked at The Castle Hotel while Mrs. McGowan managed it, described her as a kind individual, expressing shock at the tragic event. He emphasized the community’s familiarity with her and the impact of her untimely death.
Jakki Monroe, the current pub owner, conveyed the village’s collective shock and extended condolences on behalf of The Castle staff to Mrs. McGowan’s family. Joanne Butcher, Mrs. McGowan’s sister, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, highlighting the family’s history and the values instilled by their immigrant parents from Trinidad and Tobago.
A spokesperson from the FCDO stated that they are providing support to the deceased woman’s family and liaising with local authorities in Trinidad and Tobago. The Mirror has reached out to Trinidad and Tobago police for further information regarding the incident.