Couva man gunned down

STACY MOORE

Father of one, Dwayne “Kid” Callender, had purchased gifts for his six-year-old daughter which he already put under the Christmas tree at the family’s home in Couva.

Callender, 29, of June Street, Lisas Boulevard, was gunned down early Sunday morning at a street party in the community.

Relatives believe he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Callender died while undergoing surgery at the Chaguanas Health Facility. A police report said at about 7.10 am, three men, armed with guns, began shooting at patrons of the party. Callender’s brother, Marlon Smith, said he was told that everyone scattered and scampered for safety.

“It seems as they did not come for one person, they just started shooting at the crowd. My brother was the unlucky one. He was shot in the back and legs as he attempted to run,” Smith said. Smith said his brother worked hard as a pipe fitter to provide for his daughter.

“His daughter was his life and he could not wait until Christmas. He already purchased her gifts and wrapped them and placed all under the Christmas tree,” Smith said.

The family will not be celebrating Christmas this year. “There is no Christmas for us, how can we celebrate?” the emotional brother asked.

He said the killing was ‘heartbreaking and unfortunate.’

Callender’s murder is the third killing in Central Trinidad in the last four days.