Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams yesterday signalled his intention to give the investigation into the murders of German couple Hubertus and Birgid Keil top priority by naming an experienced team to handle the case. A reward of $100,000 is also being offered to the public for assistance in catching the perpetrator/s and a hotline has been set up to accommodate the provision of such information. The hotline numbers are 708-9302, 708-9142 or 800-TIPS.
Speaking at a joint news conference at the Tobago House of Assembly’s (THA) Division of Tourism in Scarborough, Williams said although the incident was clearly a one-off type event it was not a norm on the island and police would give the case their highest attention due to the implication for the island’s tourism thrust. “We have put together a team of investigators, comprising numerous units of the Police Service, including the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit and the CID, and we are in fact treating this matter as our highest priority. It is being treated this way because we know the implications of an incident like this in Tobago,” Williams said.
The team would be given the necessary resources to ensure the crime was solved effectively and efficiently, he added. “I have given that assurance to the Assistant Commissioner that all the available resources that he requires we will be providing it to ensure that this matter is extensively investigated, speedily investigated and not compromised in the investigation, by the way of speed but treating with the matter so that we can bring a successful closure to this investigation with the arrest of whoever is responsible for this heinous crime,” he added.
London still stunned
THA Chief Secretary Orville London, having extended his condolences, described the incident as a horrendous crime.
He said the THA had decided to involve all the various stakeholders, inclusive of the Central Government, THA, Police Service and the private sector, to ensure the issue was resolved. He said there would be a co-ordinated approach, co-ordinated strategy and they would speak with a co-ordinated voice throughout the process
He added: “This horrendous crime is not indicative of the Tobago environment nor indicative of the Tobago people and it is something that we take very seriously and something that we intend to pursue with all professionalism and all the rigour that we can over the next couple of weeks until this crime is solved and the perpetrators brought to justice. “We want to send a powerful signal to all the local, regional and international communities that this particular situation is going to be treated at the highest level and given the highest priority.”
He urged: “I want to take the opportunity to make an appeal to the people of Tobago that they have a responsibility to collaborate in this process and any information which they have, even if it is mild suspicion, ensure that information is handed over to the relevant authorities.”
Condolences have been expressed to Chargé d’ Affaires of the German Embassy in Port-of-Spain Dr Michel Freudenberg. The German Embassy told the THA it had been in contact with the couple’s daughter, Annegrete Keil, to inform her of the situation.
Impact on Tourism
Tourism Minister Gerard Hadeed says the Government had pledged full support to the THA in the case but notes that Tobago was still a safe place for foreigners.
He said: “We in the Government condemn this incident. The uncharacteristic nature of this type of incident does not fall in line with the peace-loving, happy people of Tobago. “The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will work hand-in-hand with the Tobago House of Assembly, with the police and with everyone to ensure that the safety and security of all our citizens, the citizens of other nations and the visitors would be held in the highest regard. “This is uncharacteristic, Tobagonians and Trinidadians are not this way.”
Hadeed said afterwards it was unfortunate that every time the tourism sector was set for a bumper season something like that happened to destabilise the sector. In a statement issued through his ministry earlier, Hadeed said he had sent a message of support and condolences to the family members of the couple.
The release said the Community Comfort Patrols (CCP) would be expanded in Tobago from December 1. The release added: “The increased visibility of the CCP represents another layer in the law enforcement strategy for Tobago, with the emphasis on prevention through deterrence.”
Gruesome find
The Keils — Hubertus, 74, and Birgid, 71 — were discovered shortly after 11 am on Sunday by a passerby who called the police.
They had been hacked to death and their bodies dumped approximately one mile east of the beach at Bacolet Bay near the mouth of the river. There were chop wounds about their necks, hands and bodies.
The couple was last seen on Thursday but investigators believe that the incident may have occurred shortly before the bodies were found. Police later found their villa locked and in a pristine condition with nothing missing.
The T&T Guardian was told the Keils lived alone and have been visiting Tobago annually for the past 20 years during the winter months.