Gun Violence Epidemic in Barbados: Impacts on Communities and Calls for Action

by Rennette M Dimmott

The continued use of gun violence in Barbados to settle disputes has resulted in communities not being safe. It has been at the forefront of public awareness and outcry in recent times. Thus far, thirty-three homicides have been committed due to gun violence, and this has become a worrisome statistic for Barbadians. More importantly, deaths as a result of gun violence have plagued communities across Barbados. However, the residents in the neighbourhoods of Gall Hill and Silver Hill in Christ Church have suffered the most.

The question to be asked is whether the government has gone soft on managing crime and violence in Barbados? The impact of this unwanted scourge on victims, their families, friends and the wider society is cause for concern.

The notion of the big brother’s keeper approach which is a calling from God is no longer pursued by Barbadians. In retrospect, our society has changed and therefore people are highly unlikely to speak up about bouts of criminal behaviour and tendencies because they may be afraid of the repercussions.

The problem of gun violence is deeper than what meets the naked eyes. Unequivocally, the modus operandi of the perpetrators committing violent crimes has also changed tremendously. It is no longer a misunderstanding between two or more individuals. In fact, these individuals are displaying psychopathic traits and tendencies.

This is evident by the fact that they have committed violent acts when children were around, when families were socialising, and when others were congregating. The lack of remorse and disregard for the lives of human beings, along with the impulsive behaviour are evident. It is organised crime at its best.

I stand with the residents of the Gall Hill community who have called for a greater police presence. While a police post is situated in Silver Hill, it is not visible to the residents or anyone coming to the area. It is located at the bottom of the Chesterfield Brewster Youth Centre. The police post needs to be situated at the junction by the four roads in Silver Hill to service both Silver Hill and Gall Hill respectively. It must be visible and function efficiently for twenty-four hours as well.

Additionally, effective and different strategies for combatting crime must be a priority for the government. There also needs to be heavy police patrols daily and nightly with collaborative efforts to fight crime. In order to help the police officers, there needs to be a greater consultation with the Barbados Defence Force, where these officers are deployed throughout the areas to fight crime.