[UPDATED] Businessman, 38, gunned down outside casino in San Fernando

The shooting death of 38-year-old businessman Christopher Rajbally in San Fernando has sent shockwaves across the country, the head of a Central business chamber has said, stressing there's an urgent need to address the crime crisis.

"This heinous act highlights the vulnerability of citizens, especially those contributing to the economy," president of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC), Baldath Maharaj said.

Rajbally, of Mc Connie Street, Gulf View, La Romaine, was fatally shot in the driver's seat of his Range Rover as he was leaving V's Casino on Golconda Connector Road, on December 5.

Maharaj, in a statement on December 6, offered condolences to the victim's family.

"This incident is yet another grim reminder that crime has no boundaries, impacting communities throughout the country, where businesses and residents remain at the mercy of criminal elements."

He called for perpetrators to be brought to justice and stressed the need to protect vulnerable people and communities.

Maharaj added, "Greater collaboration between law enforcement, business chambers, and community stakeholders is critical to identifying vulnerabilities and implementing effective interventions."

He said CCIC remains committed to supporting these efforts.

"However, the time for talk has long passed. Immediate, decisive action is required to combat this crisis and ensure that every citizen, business, and advocate in TT can operate and live in safety," Maharaj said.

"Together, we must reclaim our communities and rebuild the trust and security necessary for our country to thrive."

Rajbally, who owned a pet store, was driving out of the casino's compound shortly before 11 pm on December 5, when a white Toyota Aqua blocked his path.

CCTV footage captured the moments as two gunmen, one in the front seat and the other in the back seat, got out and began shooting with high-powered guns at the driver. They got back into the car, which sped off.

Southern Division police found Rajbally's body slumped behind the steering wheel, riddled with gunshot wounds. The footage shows another person getting out of the Range Rover's front passenger seat.

There were no reports of other injuries. The Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, police were notified.

A DMO ordered the removal of Rajbally's body for an autopsy at the Forensic Science Centre in St James.

Newsday visited the family's home in La Romaine, but no one appeared to be there. The business, Top Dog Pet Shop, was also closed.

Kiran Singh, the president of the Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce (GSFCC) also offered condolences to the family.

"I hope the police can catch the suspects, especially since there is video footage that could help with the investigation," Singh told Newsday on December 6.

He also raised concerns about how guns are entering the country.

"Where are people getting access to high-powered guns? Guns and ammunition are very expensive, and Trinidad does not manufacture guns," Singh said.

"If the scanners at the ports are working, staff should be able to detect if guns are entering. They cannot be coming in through barrels, because workers check those carefully. They must be coming in through containers."

Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally condemned the murder, saying Rajbally was a valued member of the Felicity community and deeply involved in the Chaguanas West and Central Sports' Annual Cricket Camp.

"His loss is a tragedy, and his family deserves justice. The entire Felicity community recently celebrated Christopher's son having topped the SEA exams in the country but now the community is drowned in sorrow," Rambally said in a media release on December 6.

"My deepest condolences go out to Christopher's family and the entire community at this time of grief. I stand in solidarity with you."

The Opposition MP slammed what he called the government's continued inaction on crime, saying TT's lawlessness continues unchecked.

He criticised the Prime Minister, saying: "We have only seen empty promises, while families like Christopher's continue to suffer. Our communities are in pain, and the government's inaction is only making things worse."

"This must stop. We need real change, not more excuses. Christopher's family deserves justice, and the people of this country deserve peace, joy and prosperity."

Rajbally's killing comes as police were hopeful that the downward trend in murders over the past three months – with 44, the year's second lowest, recorded in November – would continue as the year ends.

In July, Ricky Loach, 58, of South Oropouche was also gunned down while leaving the same casino. A gunman got out of a Nissan Tiida and shot him in the carpark. Loach died in the driver's seat of his car.

Over the year, scores of people from the business communities were murdered.

Last month, on November 19, businessman Muath Nassar, 50, of Chaguanas, was gunned down inside his business, Syriana Middle East Food, on the Southern Main Road in Fyzabad. There were no reports of other injuries.

On October 3, the body of kidnapped used car dealer Sachel Kungebeharry, 32, of Cunupia, was found in Longdenville after his kidnappers received a $500,000 ransom. Kungebeharry was kidnapped for ransom on September 25 in Longdenville. Two policemen – acting Cpl Ashraph Mohammed, 45, of Chin Road, Cunupia and PC Jason Dan Michael, 34, of Charlieville – have been charged with the murder, and the matter is pending before a High Court master.

On August 22, mini-mart owner Enrico Guerro, 34, and his five-year-old daughter Anika Guerra were killed at his business in St Mary's Village in Moruga.

On July 3, businessman Suresh Baboolal, 37, of Pranz Gardens, Claxton Bay, was gunned down near his home.

On May 1, John Henry, 58, the owner of Crystal Waters Beverage Company Ltd, was gunned down near his home in Mc Bean Village. He was driving his Range Rover, and a car with its bonnet up was parked in the middle of the roadway, suggesting that the driver was experiencing mechanical problems.

Henry was trying to pass around the car and two male occupants with guns got out and opened fire at Henry's SUV, hitting him.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

A BUSINESSMAN has been gunned down while driving outside a casino in San Fernando on the night of December 5.

Christopher Rajbally, 38, of Mc Connie Street, Gulf View in La Romaine, died in the driver's seat of his Range Rover outside V's Casino on Golconda Connector Road, San Fernando, shortly before 11 pm.

Rajbally, who owned a pet store, was driving out of the compound when a white Toyota Aqua blocked his path.

CCTV footage captured the harrowing moments as two gunmen, on the front seat and the other from the back seat, got out and began shooting with high-powered guns at the driver. The shooters got back into the car, which sped off.

Southern Division police were alerted and responded within minutes. They found Rajbally's body slumped behind the steering wheel, riddled with gunshot wounds.

The footage shows another person getting out of the Range Rover's front passenger seat.

There were no reports of other injuries.

The Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, police were notified.

A DMO ordered the removal of Rajbally's body for an autopsy at the Forensic Science Centre in St James