Time to reclaim our streets

The stark figures presented by the Barbados Crime Observatory (BCO) on Thursday paint a chilling picture of our nation’s current struggle with gun crime. 

The ease with which guns are being used is worrying. That, according to the experts, is the crux of the problem.

According to the BCO, without the sharp rise in firearm-related offences, Barbados would have recorded a decline in overall crime in 2024. Instead, the country faces a grim reality: a record-breaking murder rate and a society increasingly shaken by the sound of gunfire.

The sobering data reveal a staggering 158 per cent jump in murders, with firearms involved in 34 of the 49 killings. This has pushed Barbados’ per capita murder rate to an unprecedented 18.2 per 100,000 people. But beyond the statistics, these numbers represent lives lost, families shattered, and a growing sense of fear within communities.

The problem extends beyond homicides. The 207 firearm-related offences reported in 2024, including shootings and major crimes, reveal a pervasive culture of gun violence. The ease with which these weapons are obtained and used is a major challenge to our safety and security.

Senior research analyst Kirt Goodridge, who presented the findings of the BCO report, warned that if gun crime continues on its current trajectory, 2025 could be another record-breaking year.

“We need to figure out how to stop them—how to stop the importation of them, how to stop them from being used on the streets, and how to encourage young men and young women to use other means other than a firearm to settle conflicts,” he said.

Director of the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit Cheryl Willoughby also described the gun violence crisis as a major national concern, stressing that gun violence affects not just individuals but the nation’s economy and international reputation.

She said: “We have to recognise that crime does not just impact individuals—it affects the entire country. It even has implications for our tourism industry. If the perception of crime is that people are afraid to visit Barbados, then it affects our finances, our budget, our GDP.”

She further noted that the rise in shootings follows a regional pattern, as Caribbean nations struggle to stem the flow of illegal firearms across their borders.

“Because our borders are so porous, it is easy for criminals and criminal activity to enter our country. We have to be mindful of what is happening across the region and act early instead of waiting until it is too late,” Willoughby said.

We accept there is no quick fix to gun violence, and we remain grateful for the dedication of the Barbados Police Service in keeping citizens safe. But more must be done—urgently.

Mere discussions and lamenting statistics will not solve the crisis. All hands must be on deck to remove firearms from our streets and provide at-risk youth with real alternatives.

Authorities have long spoken about tightening security at ports of entry to stem the flow of illegal weapons. But constant vigilance is key, as is collaborating with regional partners to disrupt gun and drug trafficking networks.

Here at home, law enforcers must prioritise dismantling the networks responsible for distributing illegal firearms—those funding and facilitating this deadly trade. The government must ensure that the police have the necessary resources to outsmart criminals, while the judiciary must expedite justice to send a strong message: gun crime will not be tolerated.

One of the troubling findings in the BCO report is that young men are both the primary victims and perpetrators of violent crime, with the average perpetrator age being 21.

We recognise initiatives under the National Peace programme and other programmes led by the Ministry for Youth as positive steps. These targeted interventions for at-risk youth, which include mentorship programmes and counselling services, should be stepped up to steer these youngsters away from a criminal path. Young people need greater access to quality education, vocational training, mentorship, and support services.

Ultimately, combating crime demands that every Barbadian declare zero tolerance for this problem. Pointing fingers at the government, blaming the police, and blasting the judiciary won’t arrest the problem. Yes, they must get serious and step up their response, but real progress depends on our collective efforts. We all have a role to play.

We must stop enabling crime, challenge harmful behaviours, and actively support young people in choosing positive paths. Only through collective action can we break the cycle of crime and reclaim the safety of our communities.