EDITORIAL
The issues of crime and law enforcement have continuously been in the forefront of public discussion, however recent occurrences have bumped the topics boldly into the limelight. According to one report, since the beginning of the year and up to this present time, there have been a total of 18 homicides in Barbados, with the most recent one resulting in the death of a mother and son in St. Philip.
Eighteen unnatural deaths in less than three months, amounts to more than one person a week being killed. This is unacceptable.
This country has always prided itself on its relatively low crime rate compared to other regional territories and more populous international nations. In the past, its citizens took some comfort from the fact that gun violence was not prevalent and, if it occurred, appeared to impact mostly those on the darker, seedier side of criminal activity. However, this unconscionable attitude is baseless as neither guns nor bullets know the difference between the innocent or the criminal.
This fact should therefore spur every single upstanding citizen in this country into action. Crime is not something that happens to other people, it can happen to anyone. And the fight against crime is not a spectator sport, to be watched or read about in the media for its sensational storyline alone. Instead, the fight against crime calls for the involvement of more than just law enforcement officers and members of the judiciary, it calls for the co-operation of every individual in society.
Too often we see images of locals on social media posing with illegal firearms or doing illegal activities, with comments and viewers’ reactions supporting the offenders. This should never be the case. There is no respect or fear for the law and until that is rectified, law enforcement will continue to have a challenge with crime.
But where does change start? It is not the job of officers to police people’s social media or censor their opinions. It is the responsibility of everyone in society to be their brother’s keeper. To be clear, members of the public should never engage in confrontations with known criminals. These persons are dangerous and apprehensions should be left to law enforcement officials. However, citizens can assist the police by providing information whenever possible that leads to the arrest and capture of criminals. The Royal Barbados Police Force and Crime Stoppers Barbados are two well publicised groups that await word from anyone who can help stop crime.
Conversely, any person who refuses to assist and instead is found to impede a criminal investigation should be dealt with harshly, if only to dissuade others from doing the same. Harbouring criminals, lying to officers or in court, or handling illegal or stolen property are all offences that should be given more than just a slap on the wrist.
In addition to these measures, parents and guardians have a responsibility to demonstrate by their own living the type of actions and behaviours that they want the younger generation to display. Aggressive, immoral, overall negative behaviours are learned in childhood, so ensure that you are not raising a future criminal by teaching bad practices.
In the final analysis, while there are other aspects of society that need to be addressed if crime levels are to be lowered; for instance, implementing stiffer penalties, and enforcing those penalties; and increasing vigilance across neighbourhoods and even with regard to maritime patrols, everyone should take responsibility for their actions and speak out against criminals, even those who are related by blood. Hiding the truth will not protect them, it will only bring them, and you, more trouble in the long run. So do the right thing and play your part in keeping our country safe.