Willoughby Calls for United Action Amid Rising Youth Crime

Director of the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit, Cheryl Willoughby, has voiced deep concern over the alarming rise in youth violence, warning that Barbados could record as many as 60 murders by year-end if current trends continue.

Speaking at a stakeholder meeting at Baobab Tower, Willoughby said the country must act urgently to tackle the root causes of crime, particularly among young men—and increasingly, young women. “I am a mother, and I see what is happening among our young men. When we can have 17-year-olds charged with murder and gun-related offences, it tells us something is wrong in the family unit,” she said.

She also highlighted a disturbing rise in violence among girls and called for targeted research into the role women are playing in crime. “Women were previously seen as caregivers, but now I’m seeing a lot of violence occurring among our girls.”

Citing a shortage of staff across justice departments, Willoughby called for a collaborative, data-driven approach. “All departments indicated that lack of human resources is a problem. If we pool what we have, we can do more,” she stressed, urging action to support vulnerable youth and communities.