PM calls for national reflection and action on gun crime

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called on Barbadians to “reject the path of violence” and instead embrace healing, compassion, and personal responsibility, as the nation continues to reel from a wave of deadly crime.

In a solemn Good Friday address, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the peace long cherished by Barbadians has too often been shattered by acts of violence, crime, and murder. She warned that the country is at a crossroads and must act decisively to turn the tide.

“I urge us to draw on our faith, our shared values, and our love for this beautiful nation we call home, to reject the path of violence and embrace those values that have brought us thus far as a people,” Mottley said.

Her message came against the backdrop of national grief, following the deaths of several young Barbadians, including 13-year-old Shawnathon Chase, who was fatally shot while watching a netball game in his Silver Hill, Christ Church community on March 25.

Prime Minister Mottley said the impact of these tragedies has been profound.

“We are simply grieving the loss of too many of our sons and daughters. And, regrettably, these tragedies are piercing the very soul of our nation,” she said. “They call on us to confront not only the scourge of gun violence, but also the deeper wounds within our communities that are crying out for healing, purpose, and hope to replace anger, resentment and fear.”

Mottley urged Barbadians to reflect not only on Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, but also on the sacrifices they must be willing to make – “for our children, our communities, and the future of this island we love.”

“May this sacred day move us not only to mourn, but to act. Not only to pray, but to protect. And not only to reflect, but to commit to making the right choices every day,” the country’s leader said.