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Attorney General’s statement on crime
Following the latest murders in Barbados – the killing of 79-year-old retired engineer Arthur Chaderton and his 42-year-old son-in-law, Metamara Stock, Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite (pictured), yesterday issued the following statement on the crime situation in the island.
“As a responsible Government, we constantly assess the state of affairs in our country, particularly societal behaviour and any evolving patterns of criminal activity across our communities that are, for the most part, alien to our culture.
It is in this regard, and at the end of another successful Crop Over Festival, that I need to draw attention to a recent trend that has reared its ugly head, particularly on weekends and on public holidays.
I refer to those lawless elements in our society who indulge in senseless acts of violence. Here, I specifically want to highlight the latest incident yesterday, when two innocent lives were cut short because of an apparent robbery.
Let me at the outset express my deep sorrow at this tragedy, and offer my sincere condolences to the families of the two men who lost their lives.
Such wanton acts must be frowned on and abhorred by all decent, right thinking persons.
As I speak, let me assure residents and visitors to our shores that the Royal Barbados Police Force is working around-the-clock to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice; as well as to rein-in those hot spots where violence seems to be the chosen path.
This also brings me to recent, random acts of violence involving the use of dangerous weapons that jeopardize the lives of innocent bystanders, even in their homes and at entertainment events. As Attorney General, as a citizen, and moreover as a father of young children who are now enjoying their teenage years, these periodic brutal acts have been causing me some concern.
Many of these appear to be drug-related and robbery. I am aware, based on discussions with the Commissioner of Police, that the cash for gold trade is contributing to the state of robberies, and believe that legislative intervention will be required to address this trade.
Indeed, I want to reassure all that Government and the Police Force are committed to ensuring that this country remains a relatively safe environment for everyone here.
I am certain that many Barbadians share my concern and that of the Government that, despite earlier revelations by the Royal Barbados Police Force that the numbers of serious crimes were down, there has been a spurt of violent and senseless acts, of which some of our young people seem both to be the victims and the perpetrators.
