Kinch’s family relieved

Describing it as “a long time in coming” the family of former Barbados Defence Force (BDF) officer Pablo Kinch who was shot and killed almost a year ago, is relieved that someone has finally been charged in connection with his death.

In an interview with Barbados TODAY, brother Maurice Kinch, who resides in Alberta, Canada, said while he would have liked to see it happen more quickly, he was satisfied with the progress made.

Twenty-six-year-old Pablo Kinch,a former Lance Corporal, died on the compound of the District ‘A’ Police Station after being shot in the chest on April 6, 2020.

On Monday, fellow soldier Renico Amal Grandison, 27, of Proute Hill, St Thomas, appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court, accused of unlawfully killing him.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge when he appeared before Magistrate Alison Burke and was released on $50,000 bail to return to court on March 31.

“Yeah, I’m glad that they finally brought the guy up on charges because at one point I was thinking that was never going to happen and that’s the honest truth, so I feel a sense of relief.

“I thought it would have happened a long time ago but we know how it goes when there is an investigation to be done when there is military or law enforcement involved. We know that they have to dot all of their I’s and cross all of their T’s, but honestly, I thought it could have happened a long time ago, not waiting until almost a whole year to happen but we still have to be grateful,” Maurice admitted.

He said his mother Silvadeen Kinch, who had been especially hard-hit by the death, was taking the news in stride.

“My mum is glad too but that can’t really bring back Pablo. She is more the Christian type so she is still sorry to see that another youngster has to get charged.

“She is really trying. She isn’t as down and depressed as before but you know how that goes, some days are harder than some even for me.

“Some days I get up and I’m real depressed because that’s my little brother and I would have liked to see him get old, get his own kids and give my mother grandkids, but we can’t see that,” Maurice pointed out.

He said he was also very appreciative of the outpouring of love and support that had been extended to him and his family by Barbadians and persons across the region who came into contact with Pablo.

Maurice, however, acknowledged that the impending trial would also be a challenge for the family and they were bracing for what is expected to be a difficult period.

“We are elated that the guy got charged but we already know how trials go so that is the next part that we have to brace for and that is the next part I am concerned about, especially for my mother, he said.

(randybennett@barbadostoday.bb)