BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Jun 23, CMC – Police Commissioner, Richard Boyce, Monday warned that the Barbados Police Service (TBPS) will embark upon “robust, decisive and within the full force of the law” activities to deal with the rising crime situation on the island.
Boyce told a news conference that Barbados is currently experiencing a proliferation of illegal firearms and that on Sunday, four armed individuals rode through two St. Michael districts and discharged their weapons, taking a life and wounding another person in the process.
He told reporters that preliminary investigations revealed that the chain of events began on Saturday, during a social event at a night club.
“These events represent a coordinated attack on public order. Such atrocities will not be tolerated. The Barbados Police Service, in collaboration with the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) and all national security and support agencies, will employ every lawful measure to identify and dismantle these criminal networks.
“We will use our full collective resources to defeat these thugs, gangsters and all those who willingly support their criminal conduct. We also call upon the good citizens of Barbados to support this noble and necessary cause. Your cooperation is essential in the restoration of peace and safety in our communities,” he told reporters.
Earlier, the TBPS warned members of the population that it is a “serious offence to harbour or assist wanted persons” as investigations continue into the weekend murder of a man.
The police statement followed the issuing of wanted bulletins seeking the public’s assistance “in identifying the persons of interest…who are wanted for questioning in connection with a criminal matter.
The photos show four men on two motorcycles armed at guns and wearing masks.
“Members of the public are also reminded that it is a serious offence to harbour or assist wanted persons. Any person caught committing this offence can be prosecuted,” the police said, urging “any person who may know the identity of the persons is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Department…or the nearest police station”.
Boyce told reporters that the incidents over the last weekend were deliberate and coordinated acts of violence rooted in gang warfare, noting that these gangs were placing innocent lives at risk.
He said that the TBPS and the BDF would continue to act in unison to confront and suppress gang activity.
“The heinous act of holding entire communities to ransom cannot be allowed to continue. We will move with urgency, implementing enhanced strategies to rid this country of such behaviours.
“Let it be clear – we are not throwing up our hands in the air! We are not surrendering to this threat. Our response will be intelligence-driven, targeted and strategic in dismantling these terrorist elements. Our actions will be robust, decisive, and within the full force of the law,” the Police Commissioner said.
Boyce hinted at the possibility of additional assistance being required to deal with the current situation, saying that from the outset government had been very supportive of such efforts, willingly providing every needed resource to address the situation.
He said that TBPS received “excellent” support from the BDF and other law enforcement agencies. However, he emphasised that parents, families and communities must recognise that they have a role to play in this fight.
“What needs to happen at this point in time is the input of parents – mothers and fathers, brothers, sisters, [and the] whole of community. We want peace…, so it is the duty of everyone in the country to come to the table and support the agencies that are involved in keeping this country safe….
“I ask each and every citizen to come on board and partner with us going forward. We need your support,” Boyce added.
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