Whole society needs to tackle crime crisis

The Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) has issued an urgent call for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to tackle rising crime rates.

At a news conference, BPSA Chairman Tricia Tannis stressed a need for coordinated action involving all sectors of society to address the root causes of criminal behaviour.

“There’s a denigration of respect for human life in preference for gold or any other tradable asset that can be converted and liquidated very quickly on the streets,” Tannis told reporters.

She recounted a troubling scenario where a young, ambitious employee left a legitimate job to engage in illicit activities for higher financial gain. “We have a serious problem when we have that sort of a system at play.”

The private sector spokeswoman stressed that addressing the crime issue requires a multifaceted approach.

“This is clearly an issue that is going to take essentially all of us — the press, the private sector, all stakeholders. It’s certainly not an issue that can be politicised,” she said.

Tannis expressed deep concern over the impact of crime on daily life and the fear it instils in the community.

“We cannot live in fear in our homes because there are relatively few elements being highly incentivised to do whatever it is that they do and not care about the innocent fallout,” she said.

She firmly rejected the notion of ignoring the problem and allowing criminals to “kill themselves”, pointing out the indiscriminate danger of weapons like AK-47s.

Calling for a structured and focused approach, Tannis elaborated: “It makes no sense all of us as disjointed stakeholders going out there and doing the same thing, tackling the same part of the issue. It would make more sense, even within the confines of the Social Partnership or similar partnerships, that maybe we have the criminologists basically say, ‘Look, this is the A to Z of this issue based on the expertise. This is how we want to address A to Z.'”

She proposed a coordinated strategy: “This group can take A to C, this group can take D to F, this group can take F to L, and so on. And therefore, we have a whole-of-society approach, but with very focused sub-foci, so that we’re probably tackling everything at the same time.”

The BPSA chairman highlighted the critical role of education in combating crime.

“Our schools play a critical role in shaping the values and future of our youth. We need to ensure that our educational institutions are not only places of learning but also safe havens where students can develop into responsible and law-abiding citizens,” she said.

Tannis also emphasised the importance of community involvement.

“Communities need to come together to support one another and create environments where criminal behaviour is not tolerated. This includes neighbourhood watch programmes, community centres offering recreational activities and support services, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and accountability,” she said.

The BPSA is advocating for stronger partnerships between the private sector and law enforcement agencies.

“By working closely with the police,” Tannis said, “businesses can help identify and address crime hotspots, support crime prevention initiatives, and provide resources for community policing efforts.”

Mental health support was identified as a crucial component of crime prevention.

“Many individuals turn to crime due to underlying mental health issues, including trauma, addiction, and untreated psychological conditions. We need to invest in mental health services that are accessible to all, reduce the stigma associated with seeking help, and provide comprehensive care that addresses both prevention and treatment,” Tannis stressed.

She reaffirmed the BPSA’s commitment to addressing the crime issue. “We stand ready to support and participate in any initiative that aims to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for all Barbadians. This is our home, and we all have a responsibility to protect and nurture it for future generations.”