The new Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA), James ‘Jimmy’ Clarke has warned that crime poses a direct economic threat — not just a national concern, but a force capable of undermining the country’s social fabric and investment prospects.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on Friday at the UWI Cave Hill School of Business, Clarke stressed that violent crime, drug trafficking, gang violence, cybercrime, and fraud create fear, cause losses to businesses and families, and damage Barbados’ reputation with investors and tourists.
“Violent crime, street crime, drug-related crime, gang violence, larceny, domestic abuse, fraud, cybercrime — they all pull us down as a society by inflicting harm, instilling fear and perpetuating losses,” Clarke said. “Determining and addressing the root causes of these crimes is critical to improving our society.”
Outgoing Chair Trisha Tannis also underscored the need for action, saying that crime cannot be treated in isolation.
“A main focus, especially during the last year in office, was crime, noting its escalation, particularly in recent months,” she remarked.
She urged the BPSA to maintain its active support for government-led crime prevention, noting recent high-level engagement. “I’m sure the new chairman will continue to be actively and publicly engaged. We were afforded a closed-door meeting with the Attorney General and the leadership from the police service, and we’re asking all businesses to continue with their collaboration with the BPSA as valuable stakeholders.”
She called on fellow businesses to be socially conscious in their role in public endorsement. “A recent example of that is our role in public endorsement. Persons with Disabilities Act, where the employment level of persons with disabilities is an unsustainable 90 per cent, we have a role to play… We do need to take and pay attention to the vulnerable, and particularly those who are very well educated among us.”
Clarke, a trained engineer with decades of business experience, emphasised that Barbados needs practical, collaborative solutions to strengthen competitiveness, resilience, and social stability. He highlighted education, mental health support, and opportunities for economic growth as crucial to steering young people away from crime and toward productivity.
He also noted that while Barbados has experienced positive GDP growth and declining inflation since 2022, the high cost of living remains a pressing challenge.
“We may not be able to influence global import prices, but all members of the social partnership can work on efficiency, productivity, and ease of doing business to keep added costs down,” he said.
Clarke outlined additional national priorities, including tackling noncommunicable diseases through lifestyle changes, early education, and access to affordable, nutritious food.
“The cost of medical care, lost time, and lost family members is shocking. It requires not just urgent lifestyle changes but a sustainable model for young people to carry into adulthood,” he warned.
Looking forward, Clarke urged businesses to diversify beyond traditional models, adopt digital technologies, and explore new markets to reduce reliance on a few dominant industries. He said the private sector must not be seen as “purely profit-driven” but as socially responsible institutions that support employees and contribute to community development.
“What is clear… is that effective collaboration of all social partners — government, labour, and civil society — is vital to creating a more vibrant society for all of us,” Clarke declared. “Together, we can create an environment that fosters investment, supports our businesses and entrepreneurs, and positions Barbados as a leader in the regional and global economy.” (LG)
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