In the wake of two fatal shootings over the Easter weekend, Senator Karina Goodridge has urged Barbados to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to homicide and to urgently implement a proactive warning system to confront rising gun violence.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the President of Friends of Democracy and attorney-at-law, said the island could no longer afford complacency as killings continue to occur in public spaces and under increasingly brazen circumstances.
“Barbados… is now facing a different reality: the country’s homicide rate is rising at an alarming pace,” Goodridge said, noting that at least 18 homicides have already been recorded for the year.
“Many of them occurring in broad daylight, in crowded areas, and under circumstances that defy reason. Each life lost is a tragedy… [and] a stark reminder that complacency is no longer an option.”
Her comments come after three separate shooting incidents on Easter Monday left two men dead and others injured, further heightening concern about the escalation of gun-related violence.
Goodridge charged that the country must move away from treating such incidents as isolated events and instead adopt a more coordinated and preventive national response.
“The time has come to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to homicide. Violence, especially gun violence, has ripple effects that permeate society,” she said, adding that violence has far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate victims.
Goodridge pointed to regional approaches, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago, where authorities have utilised data-driven policing and rapid response systems to anticipate and disrupt criminal activity.
“Barbados must tailor these strategies to our context… creating systems that detect, prevent, and disrupt violent acts before they occur,” she said.
Central to her proposal is the establishment of a comprehensive early warning system, combining community engagement, intelligence-led policing, and targeted enforcement.
Among the measures outlined were increased police presence in high-risk areas, the use of crime mapping to identify patterns, and coordinated operations to remove illegal firearms from communities.
“Complementary social programs can help, because while removing guns is critical, addressing the underlying causes of violence, mental health challenges, drug abuse, and lack of mentorship is equally essential,” the Senator said.
Singling out the Oistins shooting that claimed the life of 22-year-old Raul Clarke, Goodridge warned that it illustrated the immediate dangers of firearms on the streets, noting, “Barbados cannot wait for tragedy to strike again.”
“Removing illegal guns, combined with community vigilance and social interventions, is a proven formula for reducing violent crime and safeguarding lives. Every confiscated weapon is a potential life saved,” she maintained.
Goodridge, however, stressed that enforcement alone would not solve the problem, pointing instead to deeper social issues contributing to violence.
“At the core of this epidemic are social and familial factors… poor parenting, unaddressed mental health issues, and substance abuse,” she said.
She called for greater collaboration among families, schools, and community organisations to instil values of respect and accountability from an early age, while also highlighting the need to better support law enforcement officers.
“Supporting our police with timely payments, adequate training, and mental health resources is not optional – it is essential for effective enforcement and deterrence,” Goodridge added.
She further urged authorities to prioritise public engagement and transparency, while suggesting regular town hall meetings and stronger partnerships with communities as part of a national crime prevention strategy.
“Barbados must commit to a culture where violence is never tolerated… and where citizens feel both protected and empowered to report threats,” Goodridge said.
Warning that continued inaction could allow the situation to worsen, Goodridge said the country has the capacity to respond decisively but only if there is collective will.
According to the attorney-at-law: “What is required now is resolve: political, social, and communal.” (SM)
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