Crime data shows sharp spike in gun violence

Gun-related murders in Barbados soared by 161 per cent in 2024, with 34 firearm deaths recorded, according to the latest crime data from the Barbados Crime Observatory.

The report shows that all victims were male, with an average age of 30, while those accused of the crimes were younger, averaging 21.6 years old.

St Michael proved to be the bloodiest parish, recording the highest number of gun-related deaths and accounting for 53 per cent of the total.

Within the parish, the communities of Black Rock, The Pine, and Sargeants Village were identified as hotspots.

The community of Gall Hill in Christ Church have also raised red flags, recording the highest number of fatal shootings in that parish.

A total of 207 firearm-related crimes were reported across the island, including 169 major crimes and 76 shootings.

While overall major crimes fell by 1.6 per cent, firearm-related offences surged 129 per cent.
Tuesdays and Saturdays were noted as the deadliest days, with 26 per cent of firearm murders occurring on those days.

The murder rate climbed to 18.2 per 100,000 people, with 49 homicides recorded for the year, 27 of them in St. Michael. (SM)