Minister Appeals for Public Cooperation with Police Amid Rising Violent Crime in Barbados

Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams has made an impassioned appeal for the public to cooperate more with the police in the wake of a spate of violent crime.

He condemned the silence of people within communities who are aware of individuals owning illegal firearms and engaged in illicit activities yet do nothing.

The minister made clear that intelligence cannot only come from within the Barbados Police Service (BPS) and explained that each individual within a community has a responsibility to do what is right.

“Odds are if somebody in your house has an illegal firearm you’ll know, and some of our criminals are…stupid. You don’t have an illegal firearm and keep it to yourself. You have an illegal firearm and you tell your friend and go on the block and show it, and everybody in the neighbourhood knows so-and-so got a gun, and, periodically, to prove you’re a man, you ‘buss off’ some shots.”

“People know, but nobody wants to share the information with the police. When that same gun is used to take a life, people [ask] where were the police? Why didn’t the police hold him?

“Intelligence-driven operations require the assistance of all of us. If you’re afraid to come out and put your name on it [information], there are many avenues you can [use to] give information quietly and confidentially that can assist in apprehending people. The police cannot do it alone. We have a responsibility to ourselves… When we see something, say something and assist those who put their lives on the line to protect us. We owe them at least that much.”

Minister Abrahams made the comments on Sunday at the 190th anniversary of the Barbados Police Service.

In his welcome remarks, Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce said the agency has weathered numerous challenges and, through it all, has been a pillar of stability and a symbol of justice, discipline and resilience. He made special mention of community engagement.

“Over time, we have endeavoured to be a highly professional organisation, and to a large measure, we have been able to achieve that status. We still have the support and trust of our various publics, which is somewhat like a two-way street. If the community trusts the police, they will be more inclined to assist and partner with the police.”

Commissioner Boyce said the BPS remains committed to the ideals of trust, transparency and cooperation and thanked all law enforcement officers who have made sacrifices in the execution of their duties.