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Businessman Gavin Myers, who was kidnapped by heavily armed gunmen at his car mart in Darliston, Westmoreland, early Tuesday morning, has been released, allegedly after a ransom was paid.

"From all indications he was actually released by the persons who kidnapped him, and he is back home now, safe," Assistant Commissioner of Police Glenford Miller, commander for the Area One police, told THE STAR yesterday.

"We are also hearing, but we have not confirmed, that some monies were paid over to these persons (kidnappers) for his release," said Miller. "While he (Myers) has been released, we will continue to investigate this matter."

According to reports, Myers went to his businessplace, a car mart, in Darliston, where he had arranged to meet a person who had expressed an interest in buying a vehicle. About 7 a.m., a Toyota Crown motor car pulled up and three heavily armed men alighted. They forced Myers to enter the vehicle and then drove away with him. The police were alerted. Residents were reportedly quite worried as they ponder the possible fate of the businessman, who is also said to be an aspiring dancehall artiste.

Sometime between nightfall on Monday and early Tuesday morning, news broke that Myers had been released.

"The man free and deh a street again....it look like something gwaan, so everything good again," a resident of Darliston told THE STAR.