Despite heightened visible policing and joint operations with the army aimed at ensuring a safer Carnival, celebrations in St James on March 4 were marred by violence as one man was shot dead and three others were wounded.

Within minutes of the shooting, police cordoned off the street, stopping bands from using the route. But up to several hours after the shooting, spectators remained in the road liming.

Newsday was told Irvin Joaquim Mayora was standing near Universal Bar in St James around 5 pm when an armed man approached him from behind and fired multiple shots.