Barbados Faces Spike in Homicide Rates According to Criminologist's New Study
November 13, 2024
Criminologist Kim Ramsay warns of a concerning rise in homicides in Barbados, attributing the trend to gang truce breakdowns and increased firearm violence. Property crimes, like theft and burglary, also persist.
Criminologist Kim Ramsay has sounded the alarm on a disturbing reversal in homicide trends in Barbados, with her latest crime study revealing a resurgence in violent deaths.
After a significant decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw homicide rates drop to record lows, Barbados is now projected to surpass its previous high by the end of this year.
Ramsay attributes this shift to the breakdown of gang truces and a resurgence in firearm-enabled violence, which consistently accounts for about 70 per cent of murders on the island.
She presented her findings during a workshop at the Savannah Hotel, Hastings, Christ Church, yesterday.
Ramsay’s comprehensive report also highlights variations in crime patterns among the three police divisions – Bridgetown, Northern and Southern. The study revealed that while violent crimes capture public attention, property crimes, such as theft and burglary, remain the most frequently reported offences, making up a significant portion of annual crime statistics.
“Theft is a perennial problem in Barbados, dating back to the 1980s. Despite some fluctuations, theft and burglaries continue to be major challenges, particularly in urban areas where socio-economic pressures are higher,” she stated.
