Deputy police chief warns against losing generation to negative influences

Barbados cannot afford to abandon an entire generation to negative influences and poor outcomes, Deputy Commissioner of Police Adrian Broomes warned on Sunday as he urged young people to reject peer pressure and take control of their futures.

Addressing the third annual prayer breakfast at Golden Square Freedom Park in Bridgetown, Broomes encouraged Barbados’ youth to make choices that support positive outcomes and help them realise their full potential.

Attendees at the prayer breakfast. (Photo by: Lauryn Escamilla / Barbados TODAY)

“Your story is yours. You are the author. The decisions that you make today will determine the story that is told about you tomorrow. Do not allow your circumstances to write your story for you,” he declared.

The event formed part of Crime Awareness Month and was held under the theme “Barbados at 60: Knowledge for Crime Prevention, Partnerships for Safety, Progress for All”.

Broomes warned young people against allowing their neighbourhoods, friendships, social media feeds and societal pressures to determine the course of their lives. He stressed that a single mistake or lapse in judgement should not define a person’s future.

“You do not have to carry a weapon to demonstrate strength. You do not have to engage in criminal activity to earn respect, young people, and you do not have to follow the crowd to prove that you belong,” he said.

Instead, he urged them to embrace courage, integrity, service and purpose, noting that some of the bravest decisions they can make involve rejecting violence, crime and other destructive behaviours.

The Deputy Commissioner also called on parents, guardians, educators and faith leaders to take a more active role in supporting the nation’s youth. He said adults must be willing to listen as well as offer guidance.

“Many times, as older folks, we speak too much and listen less,” Broomes said.

The law enforcement officer said The Barbados Police Service remains focused on helping young people reach their full potential and avoid involvement in crime, stressing that stronger partnerships among families, schools, churches, businesses and communities are key to preventing crime and improving public safety.

The prayer breakfast was organised by the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit and also featured remarks by Minister of Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice Michael Lashley.

(LE)