As crime escalates, the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) says the country should seek outside help.
“The use of high-powered weapons by the criminal element in the committing of murders and other criminal activities is a clear indication of the level of threat this poses to public safety,” CTUSAB said.
“Given that these firearms are apparently entering the island illegally and there is seemingly no indication of their suppliers or distributors, it is imperative that the Government of Barbados seeks assistance from international intelligence police agencies in an effort to address this glaring problem.”
General Secretary Dennis de Peiza said crime and violence had reached “unprecedented proportions” and must be addressed before the island was thrown into a state of “chaos, anarchy and fear”.
“The [30] murders for the year are unprecedented in the history of Barbados. Moreover, the fact that most of the murders are linked to the use of guns raises cause for concern among the average citizen. The use of the gun by criminals to commit robberies and burglaries on the streets, at our homes, residences and workplaces, is a cause of great uneasiness.
“As the country looks for solutions to the spate of violent crimes, especially gun crimes and murders, CTUSAB recommends that Government take the lead and move to repeal the provisions of the Bail Act, which provides for the release on bail of persons charged with murder or found to be in possession of an unlicensed or illegal firearm. CTUSAB stresses that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors of Barbados must be taken seriously. It is in times like these that tough decisions must be taken, if for no other reason than to send a clear message to the criminal element that it is not business as usual.” While acknowledging the police needed help, de Peiza said they were to be complimented on their efforts to date, especially in light of their strained resources.
“There is a consciousness of the burnout to be suffered by police officers who are required to work without a break for an indefinite period of time. This cannot be supported by the Congress. It is important that there is compliance with the labour laws and the practice where all workers are entitled to two days of rest having completed a 40-hour work week.
“CTUSAB understands the mandatory imposition of no leave being given to police officers and of their having to work extensive hours where a state of emergency exists. However, whereas the heightened state of crime and violence warrants police officers to work beyond the standard 40-hour week, it is important to remind the authorities that where employees work beyond the standard 40-hour week, they are eligible and entitled to overtime pay.”
The general secretary also noted that most violent crimes were being committed by those within the 18 to 35 age group and were widely considered failures of the educational system. He said teachers were now operating in fear of abuse from students, parents and guardians while having to be cautious in what they said or did as they remained open to lawsuits.
“If this problem of indiscipline is to be arrested, then the authorities must come to grips with the fact that there must be a restoration of discipline within the school system. It has been well publicised that teachers are regularly the victims of being assaulted by students at both the level of primary and secondary school and in some instances, have suffered personal injuries.
