An Ontario man killed while vacationing in Trinidad and Tobago is the father of a Shelburne firefighter.
Shelburne and District Fire Chief Brad Lemaich confirmed the connection on twitter and offered his condolences.
"The man killed is the father of one our firefighters. Our whole department is deeply saddened," Lemaich said Sunday.
During a telephone interview today, Lemaich identified the deceased as 56-year-old Vishnu Narine of Brampton.
Narine's son Randy, had been a member of the Shelburne Fire Department for just over two years.
Lemaich says Randy's parents were wrapping up a two week vacation in their homeland.
Randy learned of the tragedy when his mother called Friday morning and he boarded a flight to Trinidad and Tobago that night.
"They were on vacation. Family visit and Randy's dad is retired but deals in birds, the pet trade, so there was a little bit of business mixed with the vacation," explained Lemaich.
"His dad had some cash on him, less than $1,800 Canadian. He was going out to a restaurant to meet some friends / potential business contacts and didn't return home. His body was found Friday morning. He was murdered and robbed of his $1,800."
As per his father's wishes, Vishnu will be buried in his home country and a funeral service is planned for Wednesday in San Fernando Trinidad.
"Randy is obviously looking for some answers and he wants to see the perpetrators brought to justice. The Canadian Consulate is assisting the family," said Lemaich, adding Randy urged his chief to publisize the case
"I want people to know that it's not like it is Canada," he told Lemaich.
The Canadian government has confirmed the death, but officials say due to privacy laws they can provide few other details.
Canadian officials in Port of Spain are in touch with local authorities and consular services are being provided to the family of the person who was killed.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the Canadian citizen who passed away in Trinidad and Tobago. Canadian officials are in close contact with local authorities to gather additional information and are providing consular assistance to the family as required. To protect the privacy of the individual concerned, further details on this case cannot be released," said Brianne Maxwell, spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada.
It's not known when Randy will return to Ontario but when he does, the fire chief says he will receive lots of support.
"We'll get him home and get him back in the arms of the fire family here and we'll get him through the holidays," said the chief.
