Fewer murders, but police chief warns of rising robberies, road deaths

Murders fell in Barbados in 2025, but a surge in robberies and continuing road deaths has left Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce warning that major public safety challenges persist despite progress in reducing violent crime.

In his Christmas message, Commissioner Boyce said the past year had brought both progress and setbacks for the Barbados Police Service, as he credited intelligence‑led policing and community partnerships for saving lives.

“Each year brings its share of challenges and triumphs, and 2025 has been no exception,” he said, noting that the service had “continued to strengthen the bond between police and community” through resilience, professionalism and teamwork.

He said the reduction in murders was a “clear indicator that our intelligence‑led policing, community partnerships and strategic interventions are making a real difference in saving lives and restoring safety to our communities”.

But the commissioner cautioned that serious threats remain, particularly gun crime, which he described as “a serious and troubling challenge, one that has caused fear, pain and disruption in too many lives”.

While acknowledging progress, he stressed that “there is still work to be done”, calling on Barbadians for “continued patience, trust and support of the public as, together, we work to wrestle this problem to the ground and restore a deeper sense of security in every community”.

Beyond violent crime, the commissioner pointed to a worrying rise in robberies during the year, warning that policing strategies must evolve to meet changing criminal patterns.

“As we reflect more broadly on the year, we must also recognise the challenges that persist in other areas of criminal activity,” he said. “This year, robberies have seen a notable and troubling increase, reminding us of the ever‑changing nature of crime and the need to remain vigilant, adaptive and proactive.”

The police response in 2026 would be shaped by “thoughtful analysis, collaboration and decisive action”, he said, with strategies designed to address both emerging threats and community concerns.

Road safety also featured prominently in the commissioner’s message, as he described fatal accidents as among the most distressing issues confronting the country.

“Equally concerning have been the incidents of fatal accidents on our roads, which continue to bring tragedy to too many families,” he said. “Each life lost is one too many, and these painful reminders strengthen our resolve.”

The Barbados Police Service remained “deeply committed to intensifying road safety education and enforcement”, guided by the belief that public safety goes beyond crime prevention and includes fostering “a culture of responsibility and care on our roadways”, he said.

Commissioner Boyce said the lessons of 2025 would inform policing priorities in the year to come.

“Looking ahead to 2026, we must carry forward both the lessons and the inspiration of the past year,” he said. “Let us build upon our achievements while confronting our challenges with renewed determination.”

The service would continue efforts to modernise operations, strengthen community partnerships and uphold professionalism, guided by “the values of discipline, compassion and fairness”, he added.

The police chief also used his message to commend officers and staff across all divisions, describing their work as the backbone of the service’s success.

“Your daily acts of service – often quiet, unseen and undertaken with great sacrifice – form the backbone of our success,” he said.

(SM)