The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has voiced deep concern over the recent spate of gun violence across the island, including the fatal shooting in Thunder Bay, St James, and other incidents reported in communities from St Lucy to Christ Church.
Chairman Javon Griffith said the frequency of such incidents is beginning to feel like a “regular weekend occurrence,” warning that this trend poses serious implications for public safety and Barbados’ international reputation.
Below is the full statement:
The BHTA is deeply disturbed and profoundly saddened by the continued acts of senseless gun violence being witnessed across our island, including the latest tragic incident in Thunder Bay, St James, as well as other troubling occurrences spanning communities from St. Lucy to Christ Church.
What is perhaps most alarming is that these violent episodes are now beginning to feel like a regular weekend occurrence in Barbados. That is a reality which should concern every Barbadian, every visitor, and every stakeholder with an interest in the safety, stability and reputation of this country.
Barbados has long distinguished itself as a peaceful, welcoming and civilised destination. Our tourism industry and indeed our wider national economy, depends heavily on that reputation. Visitors choose Barbados not only for its beauty, hospitality and culture, but also because they believe they are travelling to a destination that is safe, orderly and well-managed. If this growing pattern of gun violence is not confronted expeditiously, decisively and effectively, it has the potential to erode confidence in our destination and place the future strength of our tourism industry at serious risk.
The BHTA therefore condemns, in the strongest possible terms, these acts of violence and extends heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, as well as all those communities traumatised by these incidents.
We acknowledge the work of the Barbados Police Service and all law enforcement personnel, but it is evident that a broader, more urgent and more coordinated national response is now required. This is not solely a policing matter. It is a societal issue that calls for leadership, enforcement, intervention, community engagement and sustained action at every level.
Barbados cannot afford to normalise gun violence. We cannot allow fear, lawlessness and indiscipline to gain further ground in our communities. Nor can we sit idly by while the image and integrity of our island are placed under increasing threat.
The time for decisive action is now. We urge the relevant authorities and all national stakeholders to treat this matter with the urgency it demands. The safety of our people must come first, and the protection of Barbados’ reputation as a safe and desirable destination must remain a national priority.
I travel to Barbados 3 to 4 times a year and bring my children, I’ve had a couple of incidents on Haywood beach where locals have tried to rob me and I was fortunate in March that I just left St Lucy when the shooting happened and now Thunder bay somewhere I would go to often, if this continues my next trip is Christmas I have already booked I will be cancelling it’s turning out to not be a safe country and it’s sad to say I may never return to the island if this continues.