I have truly reached a breaking point. I am tired — deeply tired — of this growing culture where gangsters, criminals, and perpetrators of violence in our nation believe they should have a seat at the table with the government. Even more disturbing is the notion that the government, in some misguided effort to “understand” or “negotiate,” is entertaining them. This is not a solution. It is a dangerous game.
Let me be clear: these individuals should never be allowed to hold any sway over national decisions. We are not dealing with social activists or misunderstood youth — we are dealing with individuals who have chosen a life of violence, intimidation, and lawlessness. And now they want to use that same behaviour to pressure the State for incentives or rewards in exchange for peace? That’s extortion, not rehabilitation.
The government of this country has already done enough — and continues to invest heavily — in programmes and initiatives to support those who genuinely want to change. Whether it’s job training, entrepreneurship support, educational opportunities, or community outreach, the resources are there for any gangster who truly wants a different life. But for those who refuse to change, who insist on spreading fear and taking innocent lives, it’s time to shift gears.
What we need now are bold, firm policies that make it absolutely clear: if you choose violence, you choose prison. Period.
I was encouraged when the Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley, recently announced that the government intends to amend the Bail Act to ensure that individuals accused of murder can no longer be granted bail. She emphasised that her administration is committed to addressing the crime situation in Barbados and that murder accused should not be allowed to pose a threat to society. This is the type of leadership and decisive action we need.
But we must go further. Add firearms to that list. Add ammunition. Increase penalties for gun possession. Extend prison time for violent crimes. And most importantly, stop making these people feel like celebrities in their communities.
We must bring back a justice system that sets an example — that says to the nation: we are not negotiating with domestic terrorists. If you commit crime, you will be taken off the streets. If you kill, you will not return to your community to boast about your “strikes” or how you were treated like royalty in prison. That’s not reform. That’s foolishness.
Many of us in this country know where the police need to go. An anonymous call can make a difference — it can save lives and stop senseless acts of crime. We must stop protecting these men and start protecting the people who want to live in peace. If we don’t act now, we will all pay later.
The government must take a firm stance — not by negotiating, but by legislating. This has happened before and it failed. Now is the time to focus on legislation that makes criminals pay dearly for their wrong. Build stronger laws, impose harsher sentences, and increase accountability. Bring in more religious leaders to the prisons — not because they’re getting out, but because many of them will die there from old age, and someone needs to be present to lead their souls to Christ. Their actions have declared loud and clear that they do not want to live in society — so let them stay in prison.
If we must build bigger, more secure prisons to house them all, then let’s do it. Let the government go to their bank accounts and empty them to help cover the cost of their stay. And for the parents who abandoned these young men and left them to roam the streets — after a thorough investigation and a presentence report from probation confirms they did nothing to intervene or assist — their accounts should be emptied too. We cannot keep funding the destruction of our nation while those who created or ignored the problem continue to live comfortably.
We are losing too many lives, too many futures, and too much peace to individuals who believe they are untouchable. Enough is enough.
Let’s reclaim our country.
No more negotiations with criminals.
Let’s set the example — not become it.
Roger Husbands
The post We cannot negotiate with criminals: It’s time to set an example appeared first on Barbados Today.
