PM vows army expansion amid ‘untenable’ gun crime surge

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has declared the recent surge in violent gun crime across Barbados “untenable”, vowing decisive action to combat the growing threat, including the expansion of the armed forces.

The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) is to grow to at least 800 personnel under a plan announced several months ago that will move ahead in response to escalating crime.

Speaking after the swearing-in of Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Lovell as the new Chief of Staff of the BDF on Tuesday, Mottley reiterated the urgency of the situation, highlighting that the arrest of a 17-year-old for multiple offences, including murder, was a stark reminder of the island’s significant illegal firearm problem.

“We have now the reality that there are tools available to people that have a disproportionate impact on our lives,” she declared, referring to the accessibility of illegal guns. She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering the BDF’s ranks, particularly in light of rising crime and delinquency among the youth.

Mottley expressed regret over what she described as the nation’s slow response to addressing youth delinquency and anti-social behaviour.

“We have been too lax in being able to control and ensure that our young people are rooted,” she said, adding that she plans to speak further on the issue of crime later this week.

The prime minister framed the swearing-in of Lt Col Lovell as symbolic of “two Barbadoses”, contrasting his achievements with the challenges faced by many young people involved in criminal activity: “A fine young man who rises to the highest ranks in this country, or young men who want a pathway to either Coral Ridge, Westbury Cemetery, or Dodds. The choice is ours. I do not believe that it is a difficult choice.”

Mottley praised Lt Col Lovell’s rise through the ranks as a testament to hard work, discipline, and mentorship, urging Barbadians to reflect on the options available to their children.

“The choice is yours for your children, and for yourself,” she added.

Lt Col Lovell, who took the oath of allegiance at State House in the presence of President Dame Sandra Mason, Prime Minister Mottley, and other Cabinet members, committed to supporting the Barbados Police Service in the fight against crime.

“As the prime minister said, what we are seeing in the newspapers and on social media, this is not who we are as a people. Regrettably, it is just a few persons in society who are perpetuating these nefarious acts,” he said. He pledged that the BDF would “do everything in its power” to address the “unusual challenges” and restore normalcy to Barbados.

Mottley also took the opportunity to commend Lt Col Lovell and the BDF for their role in national security, emphasising that the force has been a critical pillar of Barbados’ well-being since its inception.

She stressed the importance of the BDF’s role not only in citizen security but also in the broader protection of the country, including cyber security.

Lt Col Lovell said it was an honour to command the BDF. He thanked Commodore Errington Shurland, his predecessor, whom he described as “one of our finest military officers”, and pledged to repay the trust placed in him by the people of Barbados.

“It’s a humbling experience that the Prime Minister, the President, the Cabinet, the people of Barbados have placed such a responsibility on a relatively young person, and I can say to you that the responsibility that has been [given to] me will be repaid in spades to the people of Barbados,” he said. (SB)