Barbados: Probably the most peaceable island within the Caribbean?
There’s some debate as as to if Barbados stays essentially the most peaceable island within the
area. Smaller, extra tourist-focused islands resembling St. Barts additionally lay declare to this
crown. St. Barts boasts a zero proportion homicide fee, and on account of its negligible crime
fee, the nation’s police don’t function 24/7.
On the flip aspect, in 2022 Barbados noticed a 16 per cent enhance in murders from 32 to 38 inside a calendar yr. Nearly all of these crimes concerned unlawful firearms.
As a substitute of resting on its laurels, the Bajan authorities has enforced the Barbados Firearm Modification Act, which carries a bigger tremendous and jail time for firearm offenses.
In response to Part 29(2) of the Act, “an individual who aids, abets, counsels or procures
one other or conspires with one other to commit an offence below this Act, is responsible of an
offence and is liable to the identical punishment as is offered for that offence”.
These years could be served consecutively – which means that along with the crime of homicide or manslaughter, an extra 10 to twenty years might be tacked on.
The act is likely one of the newest implementations by the native authorities, spearheaded by
Prime Minister Mia Mottley to enhance the standard of lifetime of Bajan residents.
Time will inform if this and different packages will make a dent within the variety of homicides, however the authorities has proven its eagerness to renew its problem for the crown of essentially the most
peaceable island.