Marshall: Reach out to those injured

AS violent incidents marred the 2017 Kadooment Day activities, the Opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Shadow Attorney General, Dale Marshall, QC, is urging the people of the nation not to surrender to forces seeking to destroy the country.

Law enforcement officials were kept busy on Monday dealing with violent incidents, which resulted in just over 20 people being treated for gunshot wounds.

One man succumbed to his injuries.

In a statement to the press on Monday evening, Marshall, who condemned the violent acts, said the whole of Barbados was dealt another blow to “our collective souls and minds”.

Marshall said while the long-term effects of the incidents will now have to be reckoned with, Barbadians’ immediate concern should be with the family and friends of the injured individuals.

“We reach out to them and we urge all Barbadians to do the same. The injured people live in your communities, go to your churches, and are your friends. Reach out to them at this time and offer needed comfort and calm,” he said.

The member of the Opposition, who also assured that law enforcement officials will be busying themselves with their investigations, noted that the men and women of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) put on an impressive showing on Monday and “made us all feel safe along the route”.

“I wish to thank them for their hard work,” he said.

Just last week, in light of the recent videos and broadcasts on social media which suggested outbreaks of violence were likely during the climax of the Crop Over Season, the former Attorney General urged the public not to panic, but to be vigilant as they attend events.

At that time, the QC said regardless of whether the video and statements were a hoax or not, they must be taken seriously as they are causing citizens an unnecessary level of discomfort. (AH)