Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce issued a firm warning to people arming themselves with illegal firearms, declaring that the Barbados Police Service will show “no leniency” as it steps up operations to curb gun violence across the island.
“As commissioner of police, I am saying to those with illegal firearms and those who carry, traffic or use them, we are coming for you. There will be no leniency for persons who illegally arm themselves and put communities at risk.”
A day after police were involved in a shootout across Westbury Cemetery, when officers were fired upon while responding to a ride-by shooting on President Kennedy Drive, Commissioner Boyce issued a blunt message to those who arm themselves with illegal firearms and put communities at risk: “We are coming for you!”
“A tiny group of our men must not and will not be allowed to run rampant over Barbados or to intimidate the Barbados Police Service,” he said, delivering a clear warning to people who shoot at the police: “The gloves are off.”
He added: “Anyone who points a firearm at a police officer in the lawful execution of duty, or who fires on the police, is attacking the state itself. Those persons can expect the full and determined response of the Barbados Police Service.
Saying the situation highlighted how “bold and reckless a small number of offenders have become”, the top cop stated, “Our intelligence continues to show that the majority of these firearm incidents involve individuals who are already in direct conflict with each other.
“People settling scores, people involved in criminal activity — that has been a trend for some time. But I want to be clear about this: no gun crime is acceptable. A bullet fired in anger in any public place threatens not only the intended target, but every innocent person nearby. One life taken, one family shattered is one too many.”
Nevertheless, Boyce insisted that Barbados is not “under siege”, telling reporters at the BPS Roebuck Street headquarters that the force “will not allow a small number of violent individuals to hold this country to ransom.”
September’s passage without any gun-related homicides was no accident, but a direct result of the efforts of police working within communities, he insisted. The commissioner said the police service was engaged in careful analysis of the crime situation, having identified hotspots that would be targeted, especially during the upcoming Independence and Christmas celebrations.
“We have identified specific streets, blocks and corridors across the island that are consistently linked to gun-related offences. Those hotspots are now part of the focus of detailed operational plans from now through Independence and into Christmas and the new year,” he said, adding that there would be a more visible police presence, with increased foot and mobile patrols in high-risk communities, commercial districts and nightlife areas.
Boyce also said that road policing and vehicle checks would be stepped up, and with the introduction of new police motorcycles, including electric units, patrols would become more frequent and response times shorter.
So far this year, 79 firearms and 2 754 rounds of ammunition had been seized, including several high-powered weapons: three AR-15 assault rifles, two AK-47 assault rifles, one Mach-11 firearm and three shotguns.
jeniquebelgrave@barbadostoday.bb
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