A quiet Sunday morning in the northern Grenadine island of Bequia has turned into a tragic death investigation, as local law enforcement work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the passing of 40-year-old laborer Clias Deane, a resident of Sandy Bay who lived on Cemetery Hill.
According to official police accounts, Deane left his home around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday to harvest breadfruit from a tree located close to his residence. Hours later, community members spotted Deane unresponsive in the tree’s branches and immediately alerted law enforcement. When responding officers arrived at the scene, they found Deane trapped in an upright position between two large tree limbs. A district medical officer was called to the site and subsequently pronounced the 40-year-old dead at the scene.
As the investigation moves forward, authorities have announced that a full post-mortem examination will be carried out to determine the exact cause of Deane’s death, a key step in the ongoing probe into the incident.
St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC), the nation’s state-owned electricity generation and distribution utility, released an official statement on Monday addressing the case, which has been linked to unconfirmed allegations of an extrajudicial execution on the island. In the statement, the company confirmed it will maintain full transparency and cooperation with any formal inquiries launched by relevant authorities into the tragedy.
VINLEC also expressed profound sorrow over the death of Deane, extending heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones. “The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of VINLEC extend sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” the company said, adding that public and community safety remains one of its core commitments throughout the investigation process.
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has also joined in offering condolences, noting that the investigation is actively underway and calling on members of the public with any relevant information to come forward. Anyone who can assist authorities in piecing together the circumstances of Deane’s death is encouraged to contact police at one of three dedicated lines: +1-784-456-1810, +1-784-457-1211, or +1-784-458-4200. “The RSVGPF extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,” police said in their official statement.