REFERRING to findings of a Homicide study carried out by the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit, Director of that organisation Cheryl Willoughby says greater emphasis must be placed on conflict resolution.
Her comments came during a service hosted by the CJRPU and Mt. Zion’s Missions in Rock Dundo St. James as part of the activities to mark Crime Awareness Month.
While highlighting the many programmes being led by the department, she pointed to the importance of the dispute resolution and conflict mediation programme in secondary schools.
“Information gleaned from our research.... we recognised that most of the homicides in Barbados are as a result of disputes occurring among persons, they are not predatory in nature where persons are hiding in the dark and committing these offences, but rather persons are not able to resolve basic conflict situations.”
“So we have determined that we need to target our children early in school to give them the necessary skills that they need in order for them to be able in a rational way to resolve differences that they have.”
Saying that the department also conducted a Marijuana study, she encouraged the Church in Barbados to speak out on the topic of the decriminalisation of marijuana.
“I believe that the Church must be heard. A survey conducted by the Department on marijuana indicates that it is a threat to our young men. Right now we have a 20-29 age group followed by the 30-39 age group that is at serious risk. We also recognise that these are the ones who are also incarcerated and this problem did not start at 20 or 30, but when these young men were very young.”
“The Church is not separate and apart from what is happening in the community. It must be an integral part. The Church is a hospital for those persons who are hurting , emotionally, financially and otherwise. And so we see ourselves as part of what is happening whether it is good or bad, however we perceive it to be. We must get out there,” she said.
“I want us to work together. We cannot work in silos, we have to work together . It is a big job that we have. We have our young people who are at risk. And it will take a national effort,” she exhorted.
The director highlighted the partnerships forged over the years including the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Courts, Probation Department, Government Industrial School, Ministry of Education to name a few, as well as civil society including the Church.
Willoughby lauded the Mt. Zion’s Missions led by Reverend Dr. Lucille Baird for their ongoing programmes which includes going into communities and changing lives. (JH)
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