During the annual awards ceremony of The Barbados Police Service (TBPS), Commissioner Richard Boyce delivered a dual message of commendation and urgent call to action. Held at the Barbados Police Service Band headquarters on Tuesday, the event recognized officers for their exemplary service while simultaneously addressing the island’s persistent struggle with firearm-related crimes.
Commissioner Boyce extended congratulations to all award recipients and emphasized that every officer’s contributions remained valued and acknowledged within the organization. He articulated a broader vision of policing that transcends conventional crime-fighting, characterizing the service as fundamentally “service-oriented” with responsibilities extending to community care and public assistance.
“Our mandate encompasses not only criminal interventions but also the softer aspects of societal support,” Boyce explained. “This includes assisting citizens with crossing roads and addressing neighborhood nuisances such as nocturnal disturbances from animals. Essentially, we must respond comprehensively to all forms of public complaints.”
Despite this holistic approach, the Commissioner identified gun violence as a particularly entrenched challenge, describing it as a “perennial problem” that continues to plague the nation. He acknowledged the cyclical nature of firearm policing, at times resembling a “revolving door,” but highlighted strategic reorganizations that have yielded significant operational successes.
“Through concerted energy and collaborative strategy implementation, we have achieved considerable progress,” Boyce stated, citing consistent arrests in serious criminal cases including homicides and armed robberies. He specifically praised specialized units tasked with combating violent crime for consistently “coming out on top.”
The Commissioner conveyed appreciation from both senior police leadership and government officials, including the Attorney General, recognizing the force’s exceptional performance. However, he stressed that current achievements represent not an endpoint but a foundation for intensified efforts.
Boyce issued a compelling appeal for officers to deepen community engagement across commercial and residential districts, emphasizing that strengthened police-public partnerships are essential for addressing national security challenges. “Now is the time for every member to immerse themselves in communities,” he urged, calling for sustained excellence in service as police and citizens “join hands” to confront gun crime and other pressing societal issues.