BWU decries murder of Colleen Payne
The Barbados Workers’ Union strongly denounces the senseless and barbaric killing of Colleen Payne, 58, an employee of the Child Care Board.
The murder of Ms. Payne, which has drawn howls of anger and abhorrence by the Barbadian workforce and the public in general, is indicative of a number of issues which every right-thinking Barbadian and every institution in Barbados, including the Government, the Political Opposition, the Church and other members of the established Social Partnership, must place, as an urgent agenda matter, for discussion. These matters include (a) the apparent ease by which some elements of the Barbadian society can access guns and ammunition, and the resultant gun crimes, (b) the seemingly growing lack of sensitivity and respect for human life, and (c) the spread of the abhorrent sub culture in which drugs and guns predominate.
Murder, in itself is repulsive, but when as it is alleged that young men can cowardly “gun down” a defenceless woman, that is clearly indicative of the lowest and darkest depths to which the human mind can sink.
The safety, health and security of Barbados are the responsibility of the state, but every Barbadian has a distinct role to play in maintaining the cultural integrity of this country. To renege on our duty is to create social chaos. Therefore, while the apparent easy access to guns in Barbados is an issue which must be tackled at the highest level of governance – not only in Barbados but Caribbean-wise, it is also a discussion which every Barbadian citizen at every level of our society and every institution must urgently discuss and seek to apply effective remedy.
The Executive Council of the Barbados Workers’ Union takes this opportunity to caution our citizens to take more caution in their everyday life, particularly as it relates to dealing with money and other valuables. The BWU family also uses this opportunity to commiserate with the family and of the late sister and our members at the Child Care Board who would be feeling the pain of her loss.