EDITORIAL - Take a bow, Barbados

All Barbadians and visitors to the island who took part in the festivities of Crop Over 2016 should be congratulated on the season’s success. By giving your support 

financially, vocally, or merely through participation, you have helped to grow this economy and set the basis for bigger, better things to come in the future.

 

One group which should be given particular credit is the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF), for doing their utmost to ensure the safety of everyone during this period of 

merriment.

 

Many people frequently criticise the RBPF as its officers go about executing their duties. While it is every individual’s right to freely express any misgivings, especially about questionable police procedures, the public should respect the Force’s incredible effort to maintain law and order in this land, and take particular note of the results garnered in the past few weeks in their fight against crime.

 

We speak of the threat reportedly issued via social media by some segment of society, which planned to introduce violence at the Foreday Morning Jam, and which was promptly handled by the Force. We also point to the violence-free atmosphere at all the major NCF-sponsored and private events, where the RBPF provided ample 

security.

 

The result? For the first time in a long while, the Crop Over festival has been without fatalities caused by violence such as shootings or stabbings. Though there were two publicised deaths – that of band designer Renee Ratcliffe and 25-year-old St. Philip man Timothy Inniss – these were the result of natural causes and unfortunate accidents, respectively.

 

High praise for Police Force

The RBPF must therefore be commended on its outstanding, continuous effort to keep the inhabitants of this island safe. 

 

In fact, when one thinks of the number, frequency and type of crimes which occur in other countries not so very far from these shores, each and every person should give thanks to the officers who protect. 

 

That is not to say that this country is perfect, but, admittedly, there are fewer gun-related killings, mass murders, organised drug cartels and kidnappings for example, possibly due to Barbados’ smaller size and population, but definitely due to the brave souls who go out each day to face the foes that most people cannot and would not face.

 

Those who are in the dark about strides being made need only look to the media to see reports of the many drug busts and arrests made in current and cold cases. 

 

These operations demonstrate that the police can succeed in safeguarding this society, especially with the public’s assistance. And it should never be a one-sided effort. It should never be a relationship in which fear, animosity or distrusts exists. It is hoped that cooperation continues.