Caribbean police are examining a possible link between the fatal shooting of a British expatriate on the island of Canouan and the disappearance of a small aircraft previously piloted by two Colombian nationals. Daniel Vettrino, 37, was found with multiple gunshot wounds on Wednesday night in the Gym Hill area of Canouan.
Vettrino, who had lived in Colombia and most recently worked as a technical services manager at the luxury Canouan Estate Resort & Villas, was reportedly returning from a day out when he was accosted and shot. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force confirmed that officers responded to a report of shots fired around 11:30 p.m. and discovered Vettrino with several gunshot wounds. A post-mortem examination is pending to determine the exact cause of death.
The investigation into Vettrino's death has taken a turn as authorities consider a connection to a missing aircraft. Local media reports indicate the plane, piloted by two Colombians, had made at least one round trip between Canouan and Argyle International Airport two days prior to its disappearance. St. Clair Leacock, the Minister of National Security, previously stated the aircraft had been located and no lives were lost, describing the situation as a "very delicate security matter" without providing further details.
Two of Vettrino's co-workers at the resort have been arrested in connection with his death. The arrested individuals are reported to be Vincentian nationals, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Vettrino's death marks the 19th homicide in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this year. His aunt, Kat Hartley, described him as "one in a million" and noted his journey took him from Scotland to Egypt, then Colombia, and finally to St. Vincent. His brother, Robson Vettrino Kolberg, remembered him as a "pure soul" who touched many lives globally. A friend, Laura Westwood, called him a "true gentleman" with a "big heart."
Vettrino had moved to Colombia in 2023, working as an estate and property manager before joining the resort company in the Caribbean in August 2024. Prior to his time in Colombia, he spent nine years working in Egypt. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed it is supporting Vettrino's family and is in contact with local authorities.