In response to three murders in the first 12 days of the year, Acting Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce has vowed to intensify efforts to combat the growing violence, warning criminals that law enforcement will be coming after them.
Speaking at a press briefing, Boyce emphasized that Barbadians should not feel unsafe going about their daily lives. He expressed concern over the recent spike in violence, noting that while crime management strategies were successful during the holiday and tourism seasons, the first two weeks of the year have raised significant concerns for the police force.
He stated: “It has not been reassuring that just 13 days into the year, we’ve had three homicides, robberies, youth crime, and concerns about road policing. I highlight road policing because it’s one of the areas we need to focus on in this meeting.
“Three homicides—based on our preliminary investigations, these were acts of interpersonal violence and intentional. Intentional, or as some might call them, targeted homicides. The most recent incident occurred less than 36 hours ago in Kirtons, St. Philip. The investigation is still in its early stages, which is why we’ve assembled a team to handle it and ensure that all areas of concern are thoroughly examined.”
The acting commissioner emphasized that there is no place for violent, antisocial behavior, particularly when individuals are using guns indiscriminately. He assured that the police would investigate all parties involved in any criminal activity. Boyce vowed that the police would work relentlessly to ensure Barbados remains a safe place and that there are no areas where citizens feel unsafe.
He also addressed the increasing use of vehicles in crimes, stressing the need for improved mobile policing to handle road violations and protect citizens. Special attention will be given to lawless motorcyclists who have caused disruptions on the roads.
Boyce encouraged residents to adopt a “see-say” attitude, sharing information with the police to help prevent crime. He urged people not to hesitate in reporting crime or potential threats, reinforcing that safety is a collective responsibility. Last year, Barbados recorded 50 killings.
Crime Numbers in Barbados according to Numbeo
Based on data from Numbeo, the world’s largest database of countries, Barbados is classified as a “medium” safe country, with a safety index of 54.67 points.
Now, let’s take a look at some other recent safety statistics.
| Crime level | 51.52 | Moderate |
| Rise in crime in the past 3 years | 72.02 | High |
| Concerns of home invasion | 43.45 | Moderate |
| Concerns of being mugged | 43.45 | Moderate |
| Statistics of cars being stolen | 32.70 | Low |
| Belongings being stolen from cars | 42.56 | Moderate |
| Worries of being attacked | 39.43 | Moderate |
| Concerns of being insulted | 38.21 | Low |
| Concerns of being physically attacked due to skin color, ethnic origin, gender or religion | 29.72 | Low |
| Issues with drug adicts and drug dealers | 45.19 | Moderate |
| Home vandalism and theft | 45.68 | Moderate |
| Statistics of violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery | 48.77 | Moderate |
U.S. Travel Advisory for Barbados
The U.S. Travel Advisory for Barbados currently lists the island as a “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions” destination. This indicates that Barbados is generally safe for travelers, with no significant risks or threats to U.S. citizens.
However, visitors are still encouraged to follow common safety practices, such as staying aware of their surroundings and exercising caution in certain areas. As with any travel, it’s always advisable to stay updated on local news and follow any specific travel recommendations issued by the U.S. Department of State.