标签： Barbados

Acting Police Commissioner Erwin Boyce has issued a stark warning regarding a significant rise in youth-related criminal activities, revealing that hundreds of teenagers and young adults have been charged in recent months. Speaking at a press briefing held at Police Headquarters on Roebuck Street, Boyce emphasized that the age group of 15 to 30 is of particular concern, with many individuals already facing charges for serious offenses.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Alliston Seale SC has issued a stark warning about the growing trend of parental neglect in Barbados, emphasizing that the failure of parents to guide their children is fostering bad habits and delinquent behavior long before the justice system intervenes. Speaking during the sentencing phase of convicted murderer Gabriel Shando Hayde, Seale stressed the critical role parents play in shaping their children’s moral compass.

Seale urged parents to correct their children’s misbehavior early, referencing biblical teachings: ‘Who the Lord loves, He chasteneth.’ He clarified that discipline does not necessarily mean physical punishment but involves making children aware of their wrongdoings. Encouraging bad behavior, he warned, only leads to dire consequences, as seen in Hayde’s case.

Hayde, found guilty by a 12-member jury for the 2020 murder of 26-year-old Kerwin Howell, exhibited a drastic behavioral shift during his teenage years. Probation and psychological reports revealed that while Hayde performed well in primary school, his behavior deteriorated in secondary school. He began breaking school rules, selling snacks on campus, skipping classes, gambling, and engaging in fights. Seale highlighted that these issues were overlooked by his parents, who failed to intervene.

The acting DPP criticized the tendency of some parents to shift blame onto teachers, the church, or the government instead of taking responsibility for their children’s actions. He noted that Hayde’s parents were unaware of his daily marijuana use and his belief that there was nothing wrong with the ‘block culture.’ Seale concluded that such negligence is a societal problem contributing to the rise in youth crime in Barbados.

In a landmark move, Barbados has introduced sweeping reforms to its copyright legislation, marking a significant step forward in protecting the rights of creators and intellectual property holders in the digital era. The updated law, which revises the outdated 1988 Copyright Act, addresses modern challenges such as digital content and streaming, strengthens penalties for infringement, and grants the Copyright Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (COSCAP) the authority to take direct legal action on behalf of its members.

Barbados law enforcement has amplified its appeal to citizens for assistance in tackling the proliferation of illegal firearms, as recent statistics reveal a notable surge in the seizure of guns and ammunition this year. Acting Police Commissioner Erwin Boyce disclosed during a press conference on Wednesday that authorities have confiscated 63 firearms so far in 2024, marking an increase from the 61 seized in the previous year. Additionally, 1,750 rounds of ammunition have been recovered this year, a significant jump from the 485 rounds seized last year. Boyce emphasized that while progress has been made, the fight against illegal firearms remains challenging, particularly due to the lack of actionable information from the public. He urged citizens to report any suspicious activities, stressing that timely information is crucial in preventing gun-related crimes. Boyce assured the public that the police would handle all tips with integrity, respecting individuals’ constitutional rights while ensuring the credibility of the information provided. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the police and border security agencies in curbing the influx of illegal arms. Despite advancements in technology and border management, Boyce pointed out that human factors, such as familial ties and personal incentives, remain the weakest link in securing borders. He commended customs and port authorities for their efforts but underscored the need for stricter oversight of human elements to bolster border security.

While Barbados has seen a modest 2% decline in overall reported crime this year, authorities have raised concerns over a significant surge in major offences, including murder, kidnapping, robbery, and endangering life. Acting Police Commissioner Erwin Boyce revealed these findings during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters in Roebuck Street, citing provisional crime statistics up to Monday.

The Barbados Fire Service has inaugurated its new $33.5 million headquarters in The Pine, St Michael, marking a significant upgrade in the nation’s emergency response infrastructure. Government officials have assured nearby schools, including Ann Hill School, Irving Wilson School, and Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary, that their operations will not be disrupted by emergency sirens or vehicle movements. Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams emphasized that strict protocols are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of students. For instance, sirens will only be activated once emergency vehicles have cleared a certain distance from the schools. Abrahams also highlighted efforts to familiarize students with the new station and the work of firefighters, including a mentorship initiative akin to a ‘Big Brother’ program. The new complex, which houses the Bridgetown Fire Station, the Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement Unit, and the Emergency Ambulance Service, initially cost $30 million but saw an additional $3.5 million due to supply chain disruptions and structural enhancements for storm resilience. Abrahams described the facility as a ‘transformational milestone’ for Barbados’ emergency response system, featuring a digitized dispatch center that will soon integrate with a proposed E911 system for real-time coordination. The complex is named after three former Chief Fire Officers—Velmo Cadogan, Chesterfield Mayers, and Wilfred Marshall—to honor their legacies. Prime Minister Mia Mottley praised the headquarters as a symbol of national transformation and a testament to her administration’s commitment to building ‘the best Barbados possible’ despite past fiscal challenges. She also reflected on the 2010 Campus Trendz tragedy, emphasizing the need for stronger fire safety enforcement and regular inspections of older buildings.

The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has voiced strong disapproval over a recent court decision that imposed a mere $400 fine on a man who assaulted a nurse while she was on duty. The association described the ruling as a ‘slap in the face’ to nurses and a failure to address the gravity of the offense. The incident involved 22-year-old Josiah Lovell, who physically assaulted 64-year-old nurse Hyacinth Green at the Randall Phillips Polyclinic last month. Lovell pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was ordered to pay the fine as compensation. He had been remanded for 28 days and released on $2,500 bail after paying the fine. BNA President Dr. Fay Parris emphasized that the penalty does not reflect the seriousness of the crime or the trauma experienced by the victim. ‘This decision sends a troubling message that violence against nurses may result in minimal consequences,’ Parris stated. ‘The penalty must act as a deterrent, not just a token response.’ The BNA has called for stronger legal protections for healthcare workers, a review of existing legislation, and the introduction of insurance coverage and support systems for nurses affected by workplace trauma. The association also urged public education to promote a zero-tolerance approach to violence in healthcare settings. ‘Nurses are essential to our healthcare system. Reducing such assaults to nominal fines undervalues their contributions and dignity,’ Parris added. The BNA is rallying policymakers, legal authorities, and the public to support nurses in demanding stronger protections and respect across all sectors.