The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is warning that the country cannot ‘normalise gun violence’ warning that the country’s long standing reputation in global tourism could be affected.
‘Barbados cannot afford to normalise gun violence. We cannot allow fear, lawlessness and indiscipline to gain further ground in our communities. Nor can we sit idly by while the image and integrity of our island are placed under increasing threat,’ said BHTA chairman, Javon Griffith.
The murder toll climbed to 23 following Sunday’s killings at a beach bar in Lower Carlton, St James on Sunday night that left Jamar Leron Edwards, 34, Lyle Anderson Robinson, 33, and 33 year-old Jamar Kareem Ramsay dead.
Police have since launched a manhunt for those responsible, urging those involved to turn themselves in, get a lawyer and go ‘the nearest police station and surrender yourselves’.
Griffith said the recent trend should alarm all Barbadians and visitors concerned about national safety and reputation.
‘What is perhaps most alarming is that these violent episodes are now beginning to feel like a regular weekend occurrence in Barbados. That is a reality which should concern every Barbadian, every visitor, and every stakeholder with an interest in the safety, stability, and reputation of this country.
‘Barbados has long distinguished itself as a peaceful, welcoming and civilised destination. Our tourism industry and indeed our wider national economy, depends heavily on that reputation. Visitors choose Barbados not only for its beauty, hospitality and culture, but also because they believe they are travelling to a destination that is safe, orderly and well-managed.’
Griffith warned that if gun violence continued unchecked, it could undermine confidence in Barbados as a destination.
‘If this growing pattern of gun violence is not confronted expeditiously, decisively and effectively, it has the potential to erode confidence in our destination and place the future strength of our tourism industry at serious risk.’
Griffith in expressing condolences to the families of the victims and the communities affected by the incidents, acknowledging also the work of the police and called for a broader national response:
‘It is evident that a broader, more urgent and more coordinated national response is now required. This is not solely a policing matter. It is a societal issue that calls for leadership, enforcement, intervention, community engagement and sustained action at every level. Barbados cannot afford to normalise gun violence. We cannot allow fear, lawlessness and indiscipline to gain further ground in our communities.
‘The time for decisive action is now. We urge the relevant authorities and all national stakeholders to treat this matter with the urgency it demands. The safety of our people must come first, and the protection of Barbados’ reputation as a safe and desirable destination must remain a national priority,’ the BHTA chairman said.