Barbados is grappling with a troubling surge in youth crime, as highlighted by Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne in a recent interview with Barbados TODAY. Payne revealed that the age of convicted inmates is steadily decreasing, with more young males aged 15 to 25 being incarcerated for serious and violent crimes, particularly those involving firearms. He described this as a deeply concerning trend that reflects broader societal issues requiring a unified national response. Payne emphasized that the prison system is witnessing inmates as young as 15 or 16, with crimes becoming increasingly violent and often linked to robberies and gun-related offenses. Criminologist Kirk Alleyne echoed these concerns, noting a disturbing shift in behavior among youth, where violence is increasingly used to resolve interpersonal disputes rather than dialogue or mediation. Alleyne’s July report, ‘Confronting Violent Crime in Barbados,’ highlighted that retaliatory violence and escalation have become normalized. He also pointed to the growing accessibility of firearms to juveniles, which significantly increases their involvement in serious crimes such as armed robberies and shootings. Alleyne further warned of the evolution of gang activity, with informal street groups transforming into well-organized criminal networks resembling corporations. Barbados has recorded 34 homicides this year, with 31 occurring by the end of July. Despite these challenges, the Barbados Prison Service is implementing rehabilitative programs for both remanded and sentenced individuals, focusing on religious services, anger management, drug counseling, and vocational training. These initiatives aim to reduce reoffending and prepare young offenders for reintegration into society.
Prison chief: More teens in Dodds Prison for serious crimes as average inmates’ age falls
