Too many families are mourning and heartbroken on this small island.
I am reminded of these words of John King’s rendition, How Many More?
Rose up early this morning
To the sound of crying
Another mother shedding her t-e-a-r-s oh Jah
Why all the pain and suffering?
Why all the senseless killing?
Could it be that nobody cares? Oh no
So many sons lost in the slaughter
Blood running in the streets like water
A gun in hand knows no f-r-i-e-n-d (oh no)
Warmongers selling death in my land
Getting richer of the souls of we children
Can you tell me when will it end?
How many more Jah
Must carry this load
Barbados continues to grapple with a high rate of crime, violence, and homicide. The recent tragedy that has stunned the nation is the death of a 13-year-old boy, who was fatally shot four times while watching a netball game near his home. This is a shameful example of lawlessness and violence. Heartfelt condolences to the parents of this young child. May God comfort and strengthen them during this difficult time.
To effectively combat the scourge of criminality and disrespect for human life, it is vital to develop a comprehensive crime-fighting plan that addresses the root causes of crime in Barbados and implements effective strategies to reduce its prevalence.
Time is running out, and the increase in crime and violence further jeopardises the livelihood and security of our citizens, potentially devastating our tourism industry, which is our main source of income. As an island, we are genuinely confronted with an existential threat due to the continued importation of illegal firearms and their easy accessibility. What a dilemma we face – Gun imports continue to rise, murders are increasing, firearms are more easily available, the importers of illegal firearms are getting richer, and some perpetrators of heinous murders receive parole, or are on bail, while many communities remain locked down in fear. What a sordid mess. Almighty God, as a nation, we need your intervention, divine guidance, and help!
The crucial step in creating a crime-fighting plan is to identify the primary types of crime prevalent in Barbados. This includes violent offences such as murder and assault, drug trafficking, the importation of illegal guns, property crimes like theft and burglary, and also stealing motor vehicles. By understanding the types of crimes that are most prevalent, The Barbados Police Service can tailor its efforts to focus on the areas of greatest need.
Assessing and analysing the root causes of crime and violence in Barbados is crucial for developing an effective strategy to achieve success. Unemployment, poverty, drug use, addiction, gangs, block culture, anger stemming from abandonment and rejection, school dropouts, lack of adult supervision, and sexual perversion are all factors that contribute to the high rates of crime and violence on the island.
To effectively deal with the escalating crime and violence in our nation, it is necessary to address these underlying issues. This will have to involve implementing programmes to reduce the level of unemployment and poverty, investing in more high-tech surveillance equipment to detect illegal drugs and guns coming into the island, and a robust approach to dismantling gangs and the block culture they create. Additionally, implementing anger management programmes in primary and secondary schools, as well as at the parish and community levels, will be necessary. We should also invest in the appropriate infrastructure and personnel, and make the National Youth Service mandatory for at least a year.
The Barbados Police Service must implement policing strategies tailored specifically to address the situation in Barbados. This might involve additional investment in training and equipment for the Police Service and other law enforcement agencies, as well as establishing community policing programmes that engage local residents and foster trust between the police and the communities. It would be a good strategy for the Police Service to collaborate with parish and community organisations to create an effective crime-fighting plan. This might include partnering with parish and community groups to establish neighborhood watch programmes and implement crime prevention initiatives.
Investing in higher technology could also play a significant role in combating crime in Barbados. This might include installing high-tech security cameras to monitor the ten areas with the highest crime in the nation, as well as collaborating with social media to communicate with the public and gather intelligence.
I believe the time has come for this apparent ‘slap-on-the-wrist’ approach to dealing with perpetrators of heinous crimes to end. In the absence of the death penalty, it may be necessary to impose even stronger penalties on anyone caught with an unlicensed firearm. That person should receive a prison sentence of at least fifteen years. Individuals who commit assassination-style murders, as well as those who recklessly discharge an automatic firearm into a crowd, resulting in death, should not be granted bail and should receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole for at least forty years. In the case of domestic homicide, where the killing may have been a spur-of-the-moment occurrence, and the perpetrator is repentant and pleads guilty, greater lenience could be exercised. However, the victim’s family must be taken into consideration when such decisions are made.
When a society produces young men who can boast about committing murder, spending just a few years in Dodds Prison, and return to lead the same nefarious, iniquitous lifestyle, then we have a serious problem in our nation. Legislation must be assiduously revised to address the villainous behavior of those intent on notoriety.
Barbados recorded 49 homicides in 2019 and 50 in 2024. For a small population, this number is not only astronomical, but also something that every Barbadian must be aware of and contribute to the reduction of the level of killings within Barbadian society.
Ultimately, an effective crime-fighting plan for our beloved island requires a comprehensive approach that engages all stakeholders and addresses the root causes of crime, implements effective law enforcement strategies, and collaborates with parishes and communities to promote public safety.
By taking these steps, it is possible to significantly reduce crime, violence, and murder, thereby creating a safer, more stable Barbados — a preferred place to live, work, raise a family, educate children, do business, and serve our Lord and Saviour.
Our God and Heavenly Father, we entrust Barbados to Your safe hands and loving care. You are the rock upon which this little nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished right to life, joy, peace, and freedom. Revive our nation for Your glory and bring our people back from apostasy, in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
Rev Dr David Durant, JP, is the senior pastor at Restoration Ministries International.
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