A call for immediate governmental action to protect vulnerable citizens

As an attorney and advocate for public safety and justice, I express deep concern over the recent violent assault and robbery of Mr Jeffrey Barrow, a senior citizen who was attacked shortly after conducting business at a local credit union on Wednesday. This act was not only senseless and traumatic, but it represents a disturbing pattern of increased violence targeting our most vulnerable citizens.

Mr Barrow, a long-standing, law-abiding resident, was entitled to full protection of the law. His assault is not an isolated incident but rather symptomatic of a broader failure and misstep by the Government to ensure the safety of the public, particularly the elderly, who are disproportionately at risk.

Mr Barrow, as a respected and law-abiding citizen, was entitled to move safely and without fear in his own country. His assault highlights an alarming lapse in public safety measures and the urgent need for the implementation of more robust preventative strategies. It is the duty of the State to create and maintain conditions where such acts are deterred, not simply punished after the fact.

To the young people of Barbados: You are the future builders of this society, and with that comes the responsibility to protect and not prey upon those who came before you and contributed greatly to society. Harming the elderly is not just wrong but it is a deep moral failing and a rejection of the values that hold this country together. Our seniors deserve your care and respect; they are not targets, but treasures of wisdom and experience. Let your actions reflect the strength of character and pride in where you come from. Use your energy, talent, and intelligence to uplift your country, build your future, not tear down. You are capable of greatness, and you only need to align yourself and have vision and work hard. Do not exploit the elderly.

I urge parents, other family members, churches and close friends to mentor our youth with positive encouragement and guidance as much as possible.

It is evident that current public safety protocols are insufficient in addressing the risks facing our senior citizens. The absence of effective deterrents, such as consistent police visibility and targeted protection measures, represents a serious shortfall in the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens.

Preventative measures to protect the elderly from attacks have been implemented with varying degrees of success across the Caribbean. Several countries have taken proactive steps, often combining community engagement, law enforcement, and technology.

These are some ideas we can pull from: Community Policing & Senior Watch Programmes—the Jamaica Constabulary Force has implemented Community Safety and Security Branches, which involve regular police engagement with community members, including seniors. Some communities organise “Senior Watch” groups, like Neighborhood Watch but focused on elderly residents, where neighbours monitor for suspicious activity.

These programmes foster trust, improve response times, and reduce isolation, making seniors less vulnerable targets. Police Presence Around Financial Institutions—in urban areas like Port of Spain, law enforcement often stations officers near banks and credit unions during peak hours (especially pension days). Public-Private Surveillance Partnerships—some banks and malls have partnered with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to share real-time security footage and provide panic buttons for quick police response. Pension services to assist the pensioners with changing their cheques.

I therefore call upon the Government and law enforcement bodies to take the following immediate and concrete actions: Deploy increased law enforcement presence in known high-risk areas, especially around financial institutions and locations frequently visited by senior citizens. This is consistent with best practices already implemented in jurisdictions such as Trinidad. Establish and fund Community Safety Programmes, including neighbourhood watch networks and senior escort initiatives, to provide real-time support and deterrence. Invest in surveillance infrastructure and community policing models that foster proactive engagement rather than reactive response. Introduce and enforce enhanced penalties for crimes committed against elderly citizens, recognising their increased vulnerability and the greater societal harm caused by such acts.

I also advise all citizens, particularly seniors, to take additional safety precautions when managing personal finances or moving about in public spaces. This includes limiting cash transactions, travelling in pairs, remaining vigilant in and around financial institutions, and utilising safe,reliable transportation methods.

Finally, I urge the public not to let this incident fade from view. The attack on Mr Barrow must serve as a turning point. We cannot accept a society in which elderly individuals are routinely victimised without swift and meaningful response. Accountability must be demanded, not just of the perpetrators, but of those entrusted with the public’s protection.

On behalf of those committed to justice and safety, I extend sincere wishes for Mr Barrow’s full recovery and affirm that advocacy for his rights, and the rights of every vulnerable citizen, will continue through all appropriate legal and civic channels.

Karina Goodridge is an attorney-at-law and Chairman of Friends of Democracy.