Mason Hall student killed in bar

ONE man is in police custody after Mason Hall Secondary School student Precious Wills, 17, was shot and killed early on Sunday morning while liming at UpTop bar and lounge, Crown Point, Tobago.

Wills, of John Gorman Trace, Bon Accord, and another woman were liming around 3.05 am at the popular bar when gunshots sent patrons running for safety.

Wills was later found unresponsive. The other woman had a gunshot wound.

The two were taken to the Scarborough General Hospital, where Wills died of her injuries. The other victim is said to be in critical condition.

It was the ninth murder for the year in Tobago.

When Newsday visited Wills's family, they declined comment.

ACP Collis Hazel confirmed that a man is assisting police investigations.

The murder shook Tobago on Sunday morning as many woke up to the sad news. Many people on social media lamented the increasing gun violence in Tobago.

Others questioned how a minor could be allowed in an establishment selling alcohol.

In a statement on Sunday, UpTop bar and lounge said the incident was "unfortunate" and vowed to beef up its security protocols.

"The management intends to urgently and speedily increase security measures at the establishment which will discourage this type of occurrence, as well as provide a measure of safety and comfort to our patrons," it said.

The company extended "sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the young woman who succumbed to her injuries, and also support for the young woman who is now being treated in hospital as a result of the incident."

On Saturday night, a 41-year-old man was killed in Ste Madeleine. He was identified by police as Ario Sandiford.

Sandiford was in the yard of his house at George Street when a man approached and shot him several times, then ran away.

No motive has been determined for the murder. Investigations are ongoing.