DLP warns justice system is failing as crime surges and public trust erodes

The Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) Crime Commission has declared Barbados’ criminal justice system “not fit for purpose”, urging broad reforms to address rising crime and falling public trust.

Chaired by attorney Verla De Peiza, who is trained in criminology, the group outlined its findings in a 12-page executive summary of the Blueprint to Rescue a Nation report that it intends to share with the Mia Mottley administration. The 146-page report arrives as Barbados records 31 murders this year—a pace that could exceed 2024’s record 50 homicides.

The commission and DLP aim to shape future policy, emphasising urgent action to bolster under-resourced institutions, an issue De Peiza highlighted in an interview with Barbados TODAY.

“All of them have the same complaint: ‘We do not have a full staff complement. We are severely understaffed’,” the former DLP president said, noting that the shortfall is crippling their ability to deliver.

“I’m speaking of the police, the prison service, the courts, the Probation Department, the Welfare Department, housing…. All of them said the same thing: We need more people, we need more money.”

The commission’s findings also highlighted deep frustration with the justice system, including long delays in prosecution, poor communication with victims and accused persons, and the perception that some individuals are beyond the reach of the law.

“Victims of crime need to feel supported in their journey through the criminal justice system,” De Peiza stressed.

“And even the families of those in police custody often don’t understand what’s going on or what to expect.”

She pointed out that in countries such as the United Kingdom, victims are assigned liaison officers and suspects have access to duty solicitors to guide them through the process.

The commission recommends that Barbados implement similar mechanisms.

It also proposed removing the responsibility for prosecution from police officers to allow them to focus on investigations and reduce internal conflict.

“Someone is charged and the only document they’re served with is the charge sheet. One year, two years, sometimes even longer, before the actual evidence is shared. That is unacceptable,” De Peiza said.

She cited a case involving a Barbadian assaulted in the UK, where the investigation, trial and sentencing were all completed within six months.

“That would have taken five or six years in Barbados,” she added.

The Blueprint to Rescue a Nation outlines legislative, institutional, and social reforms aimed at crime prevention, faster case resolution and long-term rehabilitation.

Among the recommendations are:

– Establishment of a dedicated prosecution service independent of the police;

– Introduction of victim liaison officers;

– Expansion of legal aid;

– Enforcement of criminal procedure rules with clear timelines and consequences;

– Greater surveillance at ports of entry;

– Passage of anti-gang, whistle-blower, cybercrime, and informant protection legislation.

The commission also calls for education reform to support struggling students, expanded rehabilitation and parole systems, community-based policing strategies, and the creation of Parish Councils to develop local crime prevention plans.

It stressed the importance of early intervention through civic education, life skills training, and better support for young people most at risk of entering a life of crime.

While the report encourages a whole-of-society approach, De Peiza insisted that the government must take the lead.

“This has to be government-led because it has to be policy-driven. It has to be backed by the right legislation and supported by resources. The State cannot abdicate its responsibility when it comes to national safety,” she said.

The commission is also urging better coordination among agencies and suggests sourcing funds through international grants including support under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and through improved prioritisation of public spending.

Asked about her expectations for the report, De Peiza said it is not meant to sit on a shelf.

“We don’t believe we have all the answers. We want it to be discussed and critiqued. But more importantly, we want implementation,” she said.

“We’ve been talking about crime for a long time. If we’re not willing to take steps to fix it, then we’re not actually achieving anything.”

Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne, who commissioned the report, praised the commission’s work and said the party intends to distribute the document widely.

“We will disseminate the report to the UWI, BCC, all schools in Barbados and to every social agency. We are aware of the difficulties experienced within the government’s council on crime, as evidenced by the public resignation of its chairman, and we will also send a copy of our report to the government through the Prime Minister’s Office.”

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb