EDITORIAL - It is time to execute

The shock and horror of last week’s shooting on Spring Garden has dulled somewhat and in its wake has come numerous analyses of the cause for these
recent spate of gun crimes in Barbados. However, although identifying the problem at its root is quite necessary to its eradication, it is even more pertinent that valuable time not be used up in the dialogue when what is needed is action.

Since the incident, each day there seems to be one more finger pointed in blame as to the reason for the increase in gun violence. A day after the Grand Kadooment shooting, the Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite and the Acting Commissioner of Police, Tyrone Griffith, revealed to the public that the incident had its genesis in gang-related activity. There were calls for members of the public to play their part by being forthcoming with information about the culprits and to stop hiding criminal elements from law enforcement. While there is no denying that individuals need to co-operate with the police, it is not fair to say that law enforcement is operating in the dark without any facts. Over the years Crime Stoppers Barbados has reported huge success with its tips hotline, and the Royal Barbados Police Force obviously employ investigators who obtain crucial information. That is most likely how Acting Commissioner of Police, Tyrone Griffith, could clearly state his knowledge of 16 gangs operating in the Black Rock area alone.

More to the point, were the public to actually step up and deliver the proverbial heads of those responsible on a platter, it would all be for naught unless the justice system adequately punished them and prevented them from causing harm again in the future. As it stands presently, there are too many instances of drawn out cases and, where conviction occurs, recidivism. In one instance, a felon upon release was allegedly hailed by cohorts in the community with a minutes-long rapport of gunfire which left one
neighbourhood terrified.

In addition to public responsibility, the main focus over the week was on the youth, and factors highlighted for increased gun violence along with solutions to resolving it included addressing unemployment and economic hardships and providing opportunities to develop skills; consistently promoting and rewarding positive behaviours while introducing conflict resolution techniques from a young age; providing better role models for children, especially young boys; allowing youths to be more vocal and take a stand against violence; and getting the church more involved in development of youths and in shaping their behaviour.

All of these are workable solutions to the multi-faceted problem of gun violence, however they need to be executed and not just proposed. Barbados has a tradition of holding discussions and engaging in dialogue with little or no accompanying action towards resolution. Yes, there may be a need for policies or legislation, which need to be drafted and can take time, but this is not a new issue. Gun crime has been a challenge for some time. There is no need for years of conversation. Attempts to curb it have obviously been inadequate, but that merely requires new actions, not inaction.

As was suggested in an earlier editorial, Government needs to get serious with the issue of national security. Cameras in the Port should never be a sticking point. Raids on problem areas should never be publicised before the fact. Ports of entry should execute searches on property and persons regardless of status. Every conceivable method of monitoring should be used and no excuses made for inefficiency. Penalties on gun possession and gun-related crimes should be more strict and enforced.

This is a matter of life and death.

Barbados Advocate

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