Barbados has a crime problem. However, your slice and dice the level of lawlessness and upsurge in violent crime in the past years, it is clear there is a problem with criminal behaviour and in particular gun crime.
Notwithstanding the recent peace initiatives announced by the Government, these appear not to have made the anticipated inroads in eradicating the crime surge from the Barbadian society.
Not so long-ago crime and violence was a major theme of the election campaign of a major political party. This was scoffed at and ridiculed by opposing forces but seems prophetic today since the cry of many citizens, almost daily, is the impact of crime and violence in their communities. Barbados has now recorded 32 homicides for the year so far.
Similar to the discussion on politics in the August 21st edition of Business Basics, crime too has a deleterious impact on business. In actuality, many of the social issues will eventually find their way into the business landscape.
A Caribbean Times article recently posted some startling statistics from an InterAmerican Development Bank report. Crime significantly raises the cost of doing business, with one in four companies identifying crime as a serious constraint. The IDB estimates that crime costs the region 3.5% of its GDP annually, diverting resources from essential services like education and healthcare.
The report which represented the Latin American & Caribbean region proffered that the presence of local criminal groups is reported in 54% of households, with 14% indicating that these groups provide services and regulate security. This phenomenon of "criminal governance" is concentrated in areas characterised by state fragility and high levels of violence.
High youth unemployment rates are directly linked to increased gang activity and crime. Economic policies aimed at creating jobs and opportunities for young people are essential to mitigate these risks.
The impact on business is therefore a lived reality. Rising crime rates pose a direct threat to the tourism sector, which is vital for Barbados' economy. A decline in perceived safety can deter tourists, leading to reduced revenue for businesses reliant on tourism. The tourism dollar circulates throughout the economy, supporting not only those directly employed in the sector but also countless other businesses and services. When tourism suffers, the ripple effects are felt across the entire country.
Businesses will be required to invest more in security measures to protect their assets and staff, diverting funds from other critical areas such as marketing and product development.
If crime continues to rise unchecked, Barbados risks becoming a less attractive destination for investors, which could lead to a decline in economic stability.
Cognisant of this development, leaders withing the Barbados Private Sector Association recently held a press briefing to advocate for a collaborative approach involving government, the private sector, and community stakeholders to develop effective crime prevention strategies. Enhancing community engagement can foster a safter environment conducive to business operations.
Absent from the narrative in some circles is the issue of declining values and the corroboration with increase in violent crime. The fact is that a decline in societal values and norms, has contributed to rising crime rates. The erosion of traditional institutions such as family, church, and school has left a void being filled by negative influences, including gang culture and materialism. Whereas Governments do not legislate morality, it is incumbent for there to be the right message from leaders of the country to inform the desired values and behaviours expected amongst citizens.
Another significant factor contributing to crime is the failure of the education system, particularly in preparing the youth for productive futures. High failure rates in primary education led to a cycle of disenfranchisement, where young people turn to gangs and crime due to a lack of opportunities.
Socioeconomic disparities also create environments ripe for crime. The widening wealth gap and lack of access to resources contribute to feelings of hopelessness among the youth, making them more susceptible to criminal influences.
There is no consolation to Barbadians to highlight the level of increased violent crime in other parts of the region, since ‘who feels it knows it’, however, the information does paint an interesting picture.
The IDB reports that the homicide rate in the LAC is three times higher than the global average, with organised crime linked to 50% of all homicides in the Americas compared to 24% globally. The region's average homicide rate stands at 18 per 100,000 inhabitants, highlighting a severe public safety crisis. Approximately 30% of households in LAC have experienced crime in the past year, and 51% of the population reports feeling unsafe. This pervasive sense of insecurity affects the overall quality of life and economic stability in the region.
It appears evident that the matter of increased crime is not being tackled strategically and fulsomely. The region in general and Barbados in particular, is at a crossroad in how to wrestle to the ground this scourge on our societies.
Business leaders are calling for a comprehensive strategy to combat crime, including enhancing security measures, improving community engagement, and addressing the root causes of crime. Collaboration between the government and private sector is crucial for implementing effective crime prevention solutions, including increased funding for law enforcement, community outreach programmes, and partnerships with international agencies to combat gun trafficking and other criminal activities.
A return to sound moral values must not be left off this list of solutions.
