Elaine McGowan, 65, who used to run the The Castle Hotel pub in Saltwood, Kent, was shot dead in front of her husband in the Caribbean, her family said
Elaine McGowan and her husband Ian (Image: Facebook/Cover Images)
A British former landlady has been shot dead in a broad daylight attack in the Caribbean.
Elaine McGowan, 65, who used to run the The Castle Hotel pub in Saltwood, Kent, was killed outside her godfather’s home opposite Trincity Mall in Trincity, northern Trinidad, on July 5, according to her family.
Local media reports that Mrs McGowan was with her husband Ian at around 11am on De La Mare Avenue when a silver Nissan Tiida pulled up alongside them.
The gunman exited the vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene, police told the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian. Mrs McGowan was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Centre where she was sadly pronounced dead. Police are understood to still be searching for the shooter.
Saltwood resident Hemang Patel, who had previously worked at The Castle Hotel and knew Mrs McGowan when she took over in 2019, said how she was a “lovely lady”.
“We’ve always supported each other. She used our shop. We go there [the pub] all the time,” he told KentOnline. “She’s always been a helpful and lovely lady. I couldn’t believe what happened to her. It’s a huge shame. To me, she’s always been a brilliant person.”
He added: “A lot of people know her. It’s been quite shocking this week. I can’t believe it’s happened to someone; you don’t expect it.”
Jakki Monroe, the current owner of the pub, said “the village is in shock” following the news of Mrs McGowan’s death. She added: “It’s horrific and everyone from The Castle would like to send their condolences to all of Elaine’s family.”
Mrs McGowan’s sister Joanne Butcher wrote on Facebook: “Last Sunday, July 5th, my sister Elaine McGowan (nee Butcher) was murdered by a gunman outside my godfather’s house opposite Trincity Mall, Trinidad and Tobago.
“Elaine is survived by her beloved husband Ian McGowan and many, many family and friends. She was in Trinidad conducting business as the Director of Cocal Retreat, my father’s farm in Manzanilla and continuing his legacy.
“Elaine, myself and my cousins grew up in South London in the 60’s and our parents – all immigrants from T&T – always believed in the values of family and community.
“We spent every weekend and every holiday together and I learned at an early age how important family is in good times and in bad. If anyone has any information concerning this crime, please contact the police in Trinidad who are conducting a thorough investigation.”
An FCDO spokesperson told the Mirror: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Trinidad and Tobago and are in contact with the local authorities.”
The Mirror has contacted Trinidad and Tobago police for a statement.
