A CLEANER was fatally shot on Wednesday afternoon at the Port of Spain Shopping Complex on Charlotte Street.

In a Facebook post, Housing Minister Dr David Lee and a promise of strengthened security across state-managed facilities.

According to preliminary information from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the victim, identified as Kawando Guillium, was attacked around 3.45 p.m. outside the staff lunch room. Police said he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Witness accounts indicate that two assailants entered the compound, called out to Guillium, and opened fire before fleeing.

“This was a tragic and senseless act of violence that has left the staff and wider community deeply shaken,” Lee said.

He said, “We are devastated by this incident and grieve with the family and colleagues of Mr Guillium. The safety and well-being of all workers within State-managed facilities remain a top priority for this Ministry.”

The Port-of-Spain Shopping Complex is an agency of the Ministry of Housing.

Operations Special Advisor and head of the complex Dr Joanne Spence has been tasked with coordinating counselling and support services for affected employees. Staff seeking assistance can contact Dr Spence at 624-7581.

The Ministry of Housing said it is awaiting an official security report on the incident and will work closely with law enforcement. “The Ministry will review the findings of the security report and take all necessary measures to strengthen safety protocols across all our facilities,” Lee said.