President Calls for Urgent Action on Crime, Traffic and Democratic Engagement at Opening of Parliament

President of Barbados, The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, has issued a strong call for national focus and collective responsibility as Barbados officially opened a new session of Parliament following the recent general elections.

He was delivering his speech during the ceremonial Opening of Parliament in Bridgetown, an event marked by fanfare, public turnout and the inspection of uniformed personnel.

Supporters gathered outside the Parliament Buildings, while members of the legal fraternity, business leaders, senior public officers and specially invited guests filled the chamber for the formal proceedings.

During the ceremony, Arthur Holder was elected Speaker of the House of Assembly. St. Michael North West MP Neil Rowe was appointed Deputy Speaker, while St. Lucy MP Peter Phillips will serve as Chairman of Committees.

But beyond the ceremonial elements, the President’s address focused heavily on pressing national challenges.

He described worsening traffic congestion as a growing threat to productivity and national well-being, urging policymakers and technocrats to collaborate on innovative solutions and to actively engage the public in identifying workable reforms.

However, gun violence dominated his message.

The Head of State likened the crisis to a Category Five hurricane, warning that it poses a multi-dimensional threat to Barbados’ political, social, economic and psychological stability. He noted its devastating impact on families and communities and its strain on institutions such as the Accident and Emergency Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Calling for maximum national attention, he stressed that the issue must not become a political football but instead be addressed as a national security priority.

The President also raised concerns about voter apathy and declining public engagement in parliamentary debates. With no formal opposition in the House of Assembly, he urged parliamentarians to ensure debates remain research-driven, respectful and accessible to citizens.

He challenged Barbadians to reclaim their role in safeguarding democracy, reminding them that accountability extends beyond the walls of Parliament.

In response to youth vulnerability and rising crime, the President outlined the rollout of the Chapman Challenge — a national mentoring initiative aimed at guiding young people from “the lane to Hilluby,” symbolizing a journey from humble beginnings to the peak of their potential.

The programme will establish a National Steering Committee and parish councillors to identify young participants and match them with mentors. It will involve schools, religious organisations, uniformed groups and collaboration with the Barbados Prison Service.

Congratulating the Government on its decisive electoral victory, the President urged responsible use of its mandate and called for a transition from political contest to focused governance.

He praised the peaceful conduct of the elections and described the moment as an opportunity for renewal, maturity and decisive national action.