The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word DUPPY
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
D
U
P
P
Y
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "West Indian bogeyman (ghost)" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case west indian bogeyman (ghost) = duppy.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DUPPY mean?
DUPPY noun- A ghost or spirit, often appearing in the form of a dog barking or howling through the night.
- (game) A drawn game of noughts and crosses (in Jamaica tii-taa-tuo).
- To kill; to murder.
- (by extension) To excel in.