Police arrested a 26-year-old man from Rockley Vale, Scarborough, in connection with the murder of an American tourist in Castara on Wednesday night, bringing Tobago’s murder toll to eight for the year.
Senior Superintendent Earl Elie confirmed yesterday that the suspect was in custody and that investigators were continuing interviews and evidence checks.
Officers said 44-year-old Christopher Brown, a United States citizen, was found unresponsive around 10.35 pm along Depot Road with injuries. Police believe he was stabbed to death.
The incident stunned residents in the tourism-dependent village, and stakeholders moved early yesterday to reassure visitors that Castara remained safe. President of the Castara Tourism Development Association, Bertil Taylor, said the community “does not condone these types of acts” and had already begun discussions about strengthening safety measures.
“Castara is a place where tourists come and feel comfortable, they feel relaxed, and they’re treated with respect and humility,” Taylor said. He added that residents were “very traumatised” and planned to meet to discuss improvements such as better lighting, surveillance, and more structured coordination with police.
Taylor, who has worked in tourism since 1985, said the village prided itself on being peaceful and welcoming. “We want to let everybody know that you can still come to Castara. It’s a safe place,” he said.
Two Swedish tourists told Guardian Media that the incident would not stop them from returning to Castara, where they have stayed several times before.
Visitor Gunni Stadeborg said: “Maybe we’re not going to walk very late home this way, because we live here. Maybe we’ll walk a little earlier … but I don’t … what’s the odds that it should happen again?”
Her partner, Lennart, said the atmosphere of the village kept bringing them back. “We’ve been here before, twice, and we like this simple life and these kind of people here,” he said. “The kindness —it’s incredible.” —Elizabeth Gonzales
