As violent crime continues to climb in Barbados, sport must be viewed as a key crime prevention tool that can help steer young people away from violence and towards positive opportunities, Minister of Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith has said.
In a statement, Griffith said that while law enforcement remains essential, preventing crime must begin long before offences are committed by strengthening families, communities and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
He said: “The recent rise in violent crime across our country has caused understandable concern among citizens from every walk of life. With Barbados recording 28 homicides so far this year, many families are mourning the loss of loved ones, communities are grappling with fear and uncertainty and the nation is once again reflecting on what more can be done to address this troubling situation.”
Offering condolences to families affected by the slayings, the minister stressed that the country must now focus on solutions.
“At the same time, this is not a moment for despair. It is a moment for action, reflection and collective responsibility.”
He argued that policing alone cannot solve the country’s crime problem.
“While we fully support the efforts of the Barbados Police Service and all agencies involved in maintaining law and order, we must recognise that building a safer society requires more than enforcement alone. Crime prevention begins long before an offence is committed. It starts with strong families, supportive communities, positive role models and meaningful opportunities for our people, particularly our young people.”
Griffith said his ministry believes sport has an important role to play in shaping the lives of young Barbadians and strengthening communities.
Sport offers much more than athletic success, he suggested:
“It teaches discipline, teamwork, respect, leadership and perseverance. It creates opportunities for personal growth and social development. It provides structure, purpose and a sense of belonging. Most importantly, it gives young people positive pathways through which they can channel their energy, talent and ambition.”
The minister noted that many Barbadians credit sport with helping them remain focused during difficult periods of their lives, saying it has opened doors to education, careers and lifelong mentorship.
The Ministry of Sports and Community Empowerment will continue investing in community programmes, youth engagement initiatives, sporting opportunities and personal development activities designed to build confidence and life skills among young people, Griffith declared.
“These efforts are not simply about recreation. They are about building character, encouraging responsibility and providing positive alternatives to the influences that can sometimes lead young people down the wrong path.”
Speaking directly to the island’s youth, Griffith urged them to reject violence and take advantage of opportunities available to them.
“Your future is worth protecting. Do not allow anyone to convince you that violence is a pathway to respect or success. Real strength is found in discipline, real confidence comes from achievement, real leadership comes from making positive choices, even when faced with challenges or adversity.”
He encouraged young people to “join a sports club, participate in community activities, seek out mentors, develop your talents and pursue your goals with determination and purpose”.
He also called on parents, teachers, coaches, faith-based organisations, community leaders and the private sector to work together to support the nation’s youth, maintaining that “preventing crime and violence requires a whole-of-society approach”.
Griffith reaffirmed that the ministry will continue partnering with communities and stakeholders across Barbados to expand opportunities that promote participation, empowerment and personal growth, while encouraging young people to choose “purpose over violence, achievement over crime and empowerment over hopelessness”.
(LE)
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