The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) says Barbados’ economic progress in 2025 has been overshadowed by growing social decay, as crime, homelessness and governance concerns continue to mount.
In a Christmas message to the nation, CTUSAB General Secretary Dennis de Peiza warned that while the country has recorded advances in certain areas of development, those gains are being undercut by rising violence, poverty and a weakening social fabric.
“The year 2025 has brought with it mixed blessings and fortunes for the Barbadian society and economy,” de Peiza said.
“Whilst the country continues on a path of progress in aspects of its development, there is much consternation over the social decay which is being experienced.”
He pointed to what he described as a troubling rise in crime and violence, particularly the increasing use of firearms and the involvement of young people in criminal activity.
“There is the incidence of the rising tide of crime and violence. The nation continues to record a growing number of homicides and injuries to the person, most of which have been attributed to the use of the gun as a weapon of choice.
“Moreover, the growing number of teenagers and young people who are involved in criminal activities is of grave concern,” de Peiza noted.
The CTUSAB head also raised concerns about indiscipline on the roads, specifically the behaviour of public transport operators, and warned that children were being increasingly exposed to harmful influences.
“The authorities continue to fail in addressing the indifference on the roadways by minibuses and ZR/route taxis,” he said, adding, “Children are now immersed in subcultures that go against the values of society. Moreover, there are signs of a breakdown in the discipline and order being experienced within the school system.”
De Peiza further highlighted the visible rise in homelessness and poverty, questioning how these realities coexist with government’s claims of strong revenues and low unemployment.
“As reported, our nation is recording a high incidence of homeless people on the streets. While the government boasts of having experienced a bounty in its revenues, plus recording a low unemployment rate, there is growing evidence of the rising incidence of poverty, destitution, unemployment and underemployment,” he pointed out.
The union leader also charged that public trust continued to be strained, noting that questions surrounding accountability and integrity in public office remain unanswered.
“At the governance level, there are questions being asked with respect to transparency, accountability, corruption, loyalty and the commitment of those who offer themselves to serve in public office,” de Peiza said.
Against that backdrop, he urged Barbadians to use the Christmas season not only for celebration, but for serious reflection and personal responsibility.
De Peiza challenged citizens to examine their own role in addressing national problems, stressing that meaningful change required individual accountability as well as collective action.
“In taking a deeper look at the reasons why the Yuletide or Christmas season is celebrated, there ought to be a consciousness that it is about a time for remembrance, introspection and consideration of what needs to be changed, for the purpose of making a constructive difference,” he said.
“Each Barbadian may wish to ask him/herself the question…. How did I contribute to the problems which currently exist, and how can I make a difference in bringing about change?”
He also cautioned against division, calling instead for unity and cooperation in confronting the country’s challenges.
“With the understanding that no man is an island, that there is nothing to be gained by having division within the nation and various organisations, we are left with no other recourse than that of promoting unity and collective action as the way forward, for the building of a better Barbados,” de Peiza maintained.
Warning that silence and complacency would only deepen the country’s problems, the CTUSAB general secretary encouraged Barbadians to speak out against injustice and wrongdoing.
According to him, “As proud Barbadians, we can no longer close our eyes to the ills and failings of our society. We must not be afraid to speak up where there is wrongdoing or an injustice being committed. We must not be intimidated. We must stand for the principles which we accept and observe, reclaim our value system, and most of all, be true to ourselves.”
De Peiza further urged citizens to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas, quoting Romans 12:2 as a reminder to resist what he described as the “superficial values and customs of the current age”.
“May we all experience the joys and blessings of Christmas,” he said.
(SM)
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