root them out!

Culture Minister Stephen Lashley said he is deeply saddened and has condemned the shooting incidents that occurred during the climax of Monday’s Grand Kadooment Day.

He has also called for action to be taken against the offenders. He did so while addressing yesterday’s press conference at the headquarters of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.

During Monday’s culmination of the annual Crop Over Festival, there were reports of several shootings, including one on the Spring Garden Highway which left one man dead and several others injured.

“Every Barbadian should do their utmost to ensure that we present the best not only to ourselves, but to the rest of the world, and it was really a tragedy and a pity that persons who are bent on creating disturbances, bent on breaking the law, can do the kind of damage to our reputation.

“Therefore, I feel very strongly that these offenders should be rooted out and they should be made to pay the highest penalty for their actions.”

Lashley further said that the “tragic event put many innocent lives at risk and has certainly left a stain on the climax of a beautiful day and an otherwise violent free Crop Over Festival”.

He also gave the assurance that outside of the incident the Festival was successful, adding that the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) paid “special attention to security at all venues, including...Spring Garden.”

He additionally praised the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Barbados Defence Force and the private security for the role they played.

The Culture Minister appealed to members of the public to assist the police in any possible way in identifying the offenders of the shooting. He noted that this is a key priority in responding to what occurred on Monday.

“I want to assure Barbadians and visitors alike that everything will be done to ensure that they are safe. I have every confidence in the Royal Barbados Police Force to do the work and I believe that they have worked exceedingly well, notwithstanding this particular incident. Safety is also a matter that we all have to take seriously and I want to encourage Barbadians to cooperate with the police in the provision of information, assisting them with investigations so that we can get the lawless elements off the streets as soon as possible.” (MG)