EDITORIAL
This country is in turmoil.
With the number of murders now in the twenties and the road fatalities starting to reach worrying levels, we as a country need to start to urgently tackle the problems.
It is easy to lay blame and finger point, but this country is mature enough to face up to its failings and the challenges which those failings are now manifesting themselves as. Look at the ages of those who are accused of committing these recent upsurge in crimes and ask yourselves if you do not see a pattern.
Young people are targeting each other and it is spilling out into wider society. There is no fear of capture or of going to court and even having their faces printed in the local press. In fact, maybe seem to think that they should be proud and show no remorse for their actions.
Some think that looking and acting tough are part of the normal discourse and reality of this country. The term ‘bad man’ seems to be more impactful than perhaps the term ‘honest hardworking man’.
So where does one start to address the growing menace to society? Many will argue that the problem is rooted within the upbringing of the individual and what they are exposed to at a young age. No parental controls and the lure of fast money for little effort seems to be the prevailing easy answer, but is it really that simple?
Choices being made willingly
Why are we not dismissing the scenarios as ones where choices are being made willingly? After a certain age, we are all deemed adults with the ability to make choices. If we accept that children committing criminal acts are being influenced, then what to do with the ones who promote this bad behaviour? What about the ones who know and profit from this behaviour?
The latter is what we have to establish in Barbados. If as a parent, your child is bringing home monies and does not have a steady job, then you are liable as well, since you are profiting from income from uncertain sources. Do any ask where the money is coming from or do they even care?
This upsurge in violence did not just start. The creation of a mechanism to push the notion that your current circumstance is the result of someone not giving you something, is a view which presupposes that opportunities will just come to you from nowhere.
The notion that if someone crosses you, then you have to take action is blossoming. The days of going to someone and talking out your issues has been replaced by someone walking up to another in a popular mall and shooting them in the head.
The actions have become more brazen and it requires a sustained response from government and support from the population. We, the people must not accept criminal behaviour or just look the other way when we know or suspect others of being engaged in criminal acts.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is Barbados’ test and how we respond is a reflection of what society we want to remain as or the one we are to scared to admit that we accept.