THE BARBADOS Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has voiced concern about recent crimes, including murder, and has told Barbadians not to let criminals force a change of life on them.
In a statement released today, BHTA?president Colin Jordan said the association was worried that the types and “brazenness” of crimes over the past three to four months were making residents develop “a greater fear of crime and criminal activity”.
The statement followed the murder of 79-year-old retired engineer Arthur Chaderton and his Austrian-born son-in-law Gerhart Metamara Stock, in his 40s. Both were gunned down at Chaderton’s Salters, St George home.
It also followed attacks on a number of businesses and business people.
Jordan said the BHTA was “extremely concerned about the recent incidents of lawlessness and senseless violence in our country”.
He added: “We are aware that crime statistics are reported as being reduced when compared to similar periods in the prior year. We are, however, very concerned that the types and brazenness of crimes over the past three to four months are making residents develop a greater fear of crime and criminal activity.
“It is important that people, both residents and visitors, feel a sense of safety while going about our work or enjoying our vacations.
“Barbadians need to rally together at this time so that we ensure criminal elements do not cause us to change the way of life that we have come to enjoy and that we invite visitors to enjoy with us. We encourage all to work with and support the police and the Crime Stoppers organisation.”
The association commended Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite “for having addressed the matter frontally”, taking the public into his confidence and requesting its assistance. (PR/TY)
