Opposition calls peace programme ‘failure’

Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has delivered a scathing critique of the Mia Mottley administration, denouncing what he describes as its moral incompetence and failure to address the island’s escalating crime rates.

The political leader of the Democratic Labour Party told a press conference in his opposition office on Hincks Street that the government was guilty of prioritising power over public service and criticised its handling of the Peace Programme.

Thorne labelled the current administration as morally deficient, asserting that it has failed to tackle the pressing issues facing Barbadians. “This administration is more concerned with maintaining power than serving the people,” Thorne said. “They have lost sight of their responsibility to the citizens of this country.”

He specifically criticised the Peace Programme, arguing that it has not only failed to reduce crime but may have exacerbated the situation. With 33 homicides reported so far this year, Thorne cited the recent killing of 27-year-old Dominic Yarde in his Christ Church South riding as indicative of the programme’s shortcomings. Yarde was shot multiple times by a gunman while driving.

“In the aftermath of the Peace Programme, what has happened in Barbados? Barbados has become more violent,” Thorne lamented. He condemned the programme’s strategy of distributing taxpayer money to individuals with criminal backgrounds, asserting that such measures are counterproductive.

Thorne also referenced the failures of similar programmes in other Caribbean nations, noting that despite warnings, Barbados proceeded with a similar initiative. He expressed frustration with the government’s lack of foresight, emphasising that “Jamaica admitted that it failed with it. Trinidad admitted that it failed with it.”

Adding to his criticism, Thorne questioned the government’s reluctance to implement anti-gang legislation and hinted at undisclosed reasons behind this hesitation. He also pointed out the absence of Corey Lane, the Minister of State for crime prevention, from recent public discussions, implying that his silence amid rising violence reflects poorly on the government’s approach.

Thorne derided the fledgling Prime Minister’s Cup football tournament as a superficial response to deeper social issues. The tournament, which began on August 25, is intended to engage youth and curb violence. Thorne dismissed it as a token gesture, questioning its effectiveness and suggesting it would not address the root causes of crime and poverty.

“Give them a $100 000 football tournament. Let’s see how that goes,” Thorne said. “Tokenism, patronage, condescension. At the end of it, what remains? The crime, the poverty.”

The opposition leader called for a renewed focus on integrity and courage in Barbadian politics, urging the public to hold the government accountable and demand better leadership. “We intend to offer ourselves as an alternate government of decent people, people of integrity, people of honesty, and above all, people of courage,” he declared.