I have to echo NoProblem's insightful comment about how twisted stories can become in milliseconds, because of people's interpretation, opinions and the Internet.
I am sure that all of you have heard countless versions of this tragic incident based on rumors, speculation and sensationalism from other websites and even based on contact with people you know in Negril. The village was buzzing yesterday with all kinds of rumors being spread in every store, restaurant, bar and street corner you came across. Most are not meant to be malicious, but false statements passed on as "facts" do a disservice to all.
Thus far, none of our monitors have had to delete anything from this tragic topic. That speaks volumes for the quality of the posters and viewers of Negril.com! Thank you all for keeping it real.
We heard all kinds of stories yesterday, none the same. We had 'eyewitness's" saying the incident happened in at least seven different locations. The rumors had from 2 to 5 visitors involved, with both men and women being killed. Even the time of the incident varied by 6 hours.
Since there has been virtually no Canadian coverage of this incident other than stating what the Gleaner, Observer and RJR have already reported, there is not much new we can add. The shooting occurred around 9pm in front of the closed Kaiser's property. According to the police, a 35 year old Canadian, Mr. Palakai, either Andre or Deneis depending on the article, was killed by two gunmen on a motorcycle. The other two walking with him were unharmed. Since nothing was taken, robbery does not seem to be the reason for this incident.
In the latest article linked above, it is noted that the entire parish of Westmoreland has had a total of 46 murder so far this year. As NoProblem pointed out, 50 people were shot and killed in the tourist town of Orlando, Florida last night. We grieve for all these victims.
