Crime
Jacqueline Caesar's Advocacy Against Gun Violence in Barbados: Overcoming Challenges for Safer Communities and Schools
Jacqueline Caesar, a mother who lost her son to gun violence, leads The Tyrese Caesar Foundation Against Gun Violence in advocating for safer communities and schools in Barbados, facing challenges in securing corporate support.
5 min read
Originally published by barbadostoday.bb (opens in new tab)
Jacqueline Caesar is a mother who, if she could, would make gun violence on the island nonexistent.
Two years ago, her entire world came crashing down with the tragic death of her 20-year-old son Tyrese. He was one of the two men killed in a shooting incident at Orange Cottage, St Joseph on June 29, 2022. Police officers had responded to the area around 11:30 pm after a number of explosions were heard. On arrival, they discovered the bodies of Tyrese, a UWI Cave Hill student, outside the Cottage Bar and Grill; and Trae Harris, 34, of French Village, St Peter. Another man, Seth Towler, 19, of Heddings, St Philip, was also injured and taken to the hospital. The three were out on a birthday lime.
This loss transformed her life, ignited her passion for advocacy, and has driven her to the forefront of a campaign for safer communities and schools through the charity she formed and currently chairs – The Tyrese Caesar Foundation Against Gun Violence.
Her tireless efforts, however, face significant challenges, especially in garnering corporate support.
“The public is calling on the government and the Attorney General to step in, but this is a collective issue. We all want safer homes and communities. It’s challenging to secure funding or support from corporate entities in Barbados. Despite the difficulties, I am grateful to our main sponsors and donors who support our efforts,” Caesar explained on the sidelines of the foundation’s now annual 5K Walk and Run held over the weekend at the Bay Street Esplanade.
She emphasised that the violence plaguing schools is a serious issue that needs immediate attention, though it might not always make headlines.
“We strive to bring anti-violence messages to schools, but it requires more backing. The violence in schools may not always be visible, but it’s a serious issue that needs to be addressed,” she said. “People are asking for counselling and more awareness campaigns, which we provide. It’s essential for the public to engage and contribute to change within their communities. The messaging must reach far and wide.”
Securing corporate sponsorships for her initiatives has been a struggle, a stark contrast to the ease with which funding is obtained for social events. Caesar noted: “Corporate support is readily available for entertainment events like cruises and parties, but it’s much harder to get backing for initiatives like ours. We are grateful to the Peace Programme under the Attorney General’s Office for their support. It’s a struggle, but we manage to raise funds independently and push forward with our work. We hope to expand our outreach and eventually afford broader advertising to raise awareness.”
