Investigation Underway in Caribbean Shooting of Fife Man
Police authorities in the Caribbean are pursuing all available lines of inquiry following the fatal shooting of Daniel Vettrino, a 36-year-old man from Dysart in Fife.
Vettrino died after being shot multiple times on the island of Canouan, part of St Vincent and the Grenadines, on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) informed BBC Scotland that the investigation remains active, with several individuals cooperating with the police.
This incident has occurred amid widespread reports linking Vettrino's death to the disappearance of a light aircraft that vanished after departing from the island earlier in June.
Although some reports indicated that two men had been arrested in connection with the case, the RSVGPF declined to confirm any arrests when questioned by BBC Scotland.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted.
Details of the Shooting and Investigation
The RSVGPF has also refrained from confirming any connection between Vettrino's death and a light aircraft that reportedly made at least one return flight between Canouan and Argyle International Airport on St Vincent two days prior to its disappearance.
Canouan is one of the 32 islands comprising the Grenadines archipelago. The island measures approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) in length and 1.2 miles (1.9 km) in width, situated between the main island of St Vincent and Grenada.
Local media reports state that the twin-engine aircraft, registered in the Dominican Republic, departed Argyle International Airport on 12 June, bound for Tobago, located 158 miles (255 km) to the south.
Aircraft Disappearance and Security Concerns
The plane, reportedly piloted by two Colombian nationals, maintained normal radio communication with St Vincent air traffic control before contact was lost upon transfer to the Tobago tower. The aircraft failed to arrive at its intended destination.
St Vincent and the Grenadines' deputy prime minister and head of national security, St Clair Leacock, later informed local media that the plane had been located but characterized the matter as:
"a very delicate security matter".
Background on Daniel Vettrino
Reports indicate that Vettrino had previously resided in Colombia; however, it remains unclear if he had any association with the pilots involved in the aircraft incident.
His family described him as:
"much loved by everyone" and "a pure soul who only wanted success and happiness for all of those around him".
They added:
"He has touched the lives of so many people, from his hometown in Fife to all corners of this world."
Official Response
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office stated:
"We are supporting the family of a British national who died in St Vincent and Grenadines, and we are in contact with the local authorities."
