The cost we pay for ‘me first’

As Barbados faces an unsettling increase in crime, conversations often revolve around socio-economic factors, unemployment, and drugs. While these are undeniably crucial contributors to the growing problem, one often overlooked cause is a more insidious, yet profound issue: selfishness. This is not simply about individual greed; it speaks to a broader moral decay and a culture that values self-interest over collective well-being.

Selfishness, at its core, prioritises one’s desires, needs, or welfare above others, often at the expense of the broader society. In Barbados, this manifests in many ways, from individuals turning a blind eye to their neighbours’ struggles to a sense of entitlement that drives people to take what does not belong to them.

In recent years, incidents of theft, assault, and violent crime have become disturbingly commonplace, and the underlying force behind these actions is often a mindset that disregards the value of others. This self-centred mentality has permeated various aspects of life in Barbados, and when left unchecked, it fosters an environment ripe for criminal activity.

The rise in violent crimes, such as robberies, home invasions, and even attacks on public transport workers can be traced to a breakdown in societal empathy. People no longer see themselves as part of a collective, with a shared obligation to care for one another. Instead, many view others as mere obstacles to personal success or gratification. This lack of empathy makes it easier for individuals to justify harmful actions, such as stealing or assaulting others.

A clear example of this selfishness can be seen in the growing prevalence of robberies. Rather than working to achieve success through hard work and honest means, some individuals resort to taking what others have put in blood, sweat and tears for. It is a shortcut to personal gain. The rise in robberies, especially those committed against vulnerable members of society, is a direct consequence of a mindset that places personal advancement above the well-being of others. The logic behind such crimes often goes beyond mere financial desperation; it stems from an entitlement mentality—the belief that others have what one deserves and that taking it by force is an acceptable means of acquiring it.

The selfish mentality also permeates the business world, where short-term profits are often prioritised over long-term social responsibility. This is particularly evident in industries that contribute to the degradation of the environment, where the pursuit of profit leads to exploitative practices that harm local communities. In such instances, the drive for personal or corporate gain, without regard for the wider impact on society, fosters a sense of detachment from the collective good. As such, crime in Barbados is not merely a problem of impoverished individuals turning to illegal activities out of necessity—it is also a matter of individuals and corporations pursuing their interests to the detriment of the broader community.

The lack of collective responsibility extends to the way we raise our children and nurture future generations. Parenting today often leans heavily on individual achievement and personal success, but without a focus on communal values such as empathy, respect, and shared responsibility.

Children grow up learning that individual success is paramount, and they are not always taught the importance of contributing to society or the value of caring for others. Without these teachings, it is not surprising that some young people view others primarily as means to an end—whether to extract material goods, gain status, or increase personal wealth—thus reinforcing a culture of selfishness.

Addressing this state of affairs starts with a fundamental shift in the values that guide society. The emphasis must move from individualism towards collective responsibility, where personal success is celebrated not just for its own sake, but for how it contributes to the greater good.

This starts with teaching our young people the importance of empathy, respect, and communal values. Schools and community organisations should place greater emphasis on teaching the social contract—the understanding that individual actions impact the wider community—and that success is not just about what one gains, but what one gives back.

Businesses also have a role to play in fostering a more equitable society. The mindset of “profit at all costs” must be replaced by a more ethical approach that takes into account the well-being of all Barbadians. Corporate social responsibility should not just be a slogan but a genuine commitment to uplifting the communities in which businesses operate.

Criminal behaviour cannot be fully eradicated without first creating a society that values cooperation, empathy, and shared success over individual gain. Barbados must cultivate a culture that genuinely values collective well-being, empathy, and social responsibility. Only by addressing the moral decay at the heart of the problem can we hope to build a safer, more unified society.