The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has called for a reset and reemphasis on creating sustainable and equitable employment opportunities to address rising crime and the escalating cost of living.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, CTUSAB General Secretary Dennis de Peiza expressed concern about the apparent connection between unemployment, underemployment, and the increase in violent crimes, even as official data indicates an unemployment rate of seven percent.
De Peiza questioned whether this statistic accurately reflects the reality, particularly for young people. He pointed to the prevalence of temporary, short-term, or casual employment among the youth, often accompanied by wages that fall below acceptable standards for decent work.
“It would appear that many young persons are not employed, or are employed on a temporary or short-term basis, or engaged in casual work,” he noted. “Moreover, the fact that they are paid substandard wages falls far from what is acceptable under the provision of decent work, and therefore jobs on offer may not appear to be attractive to this age group. If this is what prevails, then it is more than likely a real contributing factor to the social deviance and criminal activity which is being experienced.”
He emphasized that while numerous large-scale projects have been promised to commence on the island, it is crucial to ensure that the resulting job opportunities are prioritized for local workers rather than foreign labour.
“A lot of the plans and promises of projects to come on stream, we have to ensure that those things happen. But when we do that, we have to make sure that there are jobs for Barbadians. This whole thing of importing a whole lot of people from all over the place… it seems to me that we always want to import workers and claim that there are no Barbadians fit for the job. If we start that practice, then we are going to have a problem.”

Barbados is grappling with a disturbing surge in youth crime, which experts attribute to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cheryl Willoughby, director of the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit (CJRPU), sounded the alarm during the launch of the National Peace Programme’s Livewise Campaign at Starcom Network studios.

Willoughby highlighted that the pandemic has exacerbated existing social and educational inequalities, particularly for young men aged 16 to 18. These youth, she noted, were disproportionately affected by the lack of educational support during lockdowns, which has contributed to their increased involvement in serious crimes, including murder, gun-related offences, burglaries, and robberies.

Data released in November underscores the gravity of the situation. Many of the young men now entangled in violent and acquisitive crimes are those who missed crucial educational opportunities during the pandemic years.

Willoughby emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues: “When we examine the data we recognise that these young people are the ones who did not benefit really from serious sound education during the COVID period,” she explained, pointing to the disruptions caused by the pandemic’s shutdowns. “When you go back four years, you’ll recognise that was the time when Barbados literally shut down.”Willoughby stressed there needed to be urgent action to stem the tide of youth being involved in criminal matters.

“We have to look at what systems have been put in place to mediate some of the crises these young people experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

Fellow Barbadians, residents, and visitors to our shores. It is Christmas time again and I greet you with all of the festive spirit of the season.

The Christmas story is so familiar to all of us that like many other aspects of our lives, we take it all for granted.  Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem to be registered. Mary is pregnant and is about to give birth, but there is no room in the inn only a manger in the stable where the baby Jesus was born.  The visitation by the angel to the shepherds.  The visit by the shepherds to the Baby Jesus and the later visit by the Wise Men.

All these point us to the essence of the Christmas story – the birth of the Saviour of the World to save lost mankind and leading us to a better way of life on this earth.

In this Christian celebration, there are four small words which we hear repeatedly throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons, and I want to reflect on them and see how we may use them to inspire us to do better this Christmas and throughout the coming year. These words, some may say virtues or values, are hope, joy, peace, and love. 

The Chambers English Dictionary defines hope as “to cherish a desire of good with some expectation of fulfilment.”  To hope is a positive action, yet many among us are living with a sense of hopelessness and despair.  They see nothing positive in their lives and hence in some instances, this type of outlook may lead to suicide.

The birth of the Christ child over more than two thousand years ago was a symbol of hope – the coming of the long expected Messiah, the Saviour of the world.  For Christians today, it is the hope of the Second Coming that is awaited with some expectation. 

However, the birth of Jesus and His life on earth expose us to a way of life that emphasises positive living, which points to embracing hope.  As the saying goes: “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.”  There is, therefore, always the belief that things will be better.

As individuals and as a nation, we must live with hope and encourage others to do the same.  A kind word and a positive outlook can make so much difference to persons around us.  We cannot afford to be prophets of doom and gloom.

“As individuals and as a nation, we must live with hope and encourage others to do the same.  A kind word and a positive outlook can make so much difference to persons around us.  We cannot afford to be prophets of doom and gloom.”President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason

Are we guiding our young people along a positive path – praising them for a job well done or explaining and showing them how to do better the next time?  Are we giving them hope?

When I think of joy, I only have to picture in my mind’s eye the performances of young children at Christmas time, with their enthusiasm and excitement as they recite their poems and verses and sing their songs.  No misstep or forgotten word or line seems to faze them.  They are caught up in their moment on stage and their palpable happiness brings much joy to the onlookers, especially parents and guardians who are as enraptured as the children.

All of us have joyful moments in our lives. We feel and experience joy at graduations, weddings and other happy occasions for ourselves and other persons in our lives. We even share joy sometimes with total strangers.  We have to take positive actions to ensure that joy is a part of our everyday living and more importantly that we can share it with others.

The birth of Jesus brought joy into the world and His life can be a guide for our lives as Jesus in His life’s work brought joy to many people. 

A noteworthy quotation from Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy is – “Joy can be real only if people look on their life outside themselves and their personal happiness.”

At His birth, the Christ child was referred to as the Prince of Peace.  In these tumultuous times we are called to be vessels or instruments of peace in our homes, communities, work and social spaces.  If we can prevent even one instance of conflict, it would be worthwhile.

As a nation we need to embrace a culture of peace and peaceful living in our communities.  We have to exhibit peaceful living so that our children may be exposed to it at an early age.

The overarching virtue, may I dare say, the jewel in the crown, that is, the glue that binds the other three words is love.  God sent his son Jesus into the world to save the world. Jesus gave the command to love your neighbour as yourself.  Love makes all the difference in our lives and how we see others.

We, as a nation, show love at Christmas but there is need to show love every day of the year starting with loving ourselves so that we can truly share love with each other in tangible ways.

As we love and share love this Christmas time, let us open our lives to meet the New Year as a peaceful people with hope, exuding joy so that we can help each other to face  any challenges that may be on the horizon. (PR/GIS)