By Elesha George
Barbuda’s growing population, fuelled by major infrastructural developments, has prompted increased vigilance over the movement of foreigners to and from the island.
Commissioner of Police (CoP) Atlee Rodney said while this is not currently a major challenge, his officers are remaining vigilant to outside threats to the sister isle. “You have to be mindful of who is coming in,” he warned. “We don’t want Barbuda to ever become a haven for criminals coming across.”
Rodney said the community also needs to play a role in identifying what he described as ‘the bad players’, “We might be a little laid back in Barbuda … don’t take that type of security precaution that some persons might do but you don’t want anybody coming to take advantage of that lifestyle and that culture that you have here on Barbuda.”
Rodney acknowledged that policing is already a challenge. Three of the 69 new police recruits have been assigned to operational departments on Barbuda to assist with fire services and ordinary police work. However, he says ideally, the police want to be in a position where they can meet both demands for airport and community safety and security.
In spite of the limitations, Rodney says policing on the island is commendable. “In spite of the conditions that they have to work under, they are doing quite well.” He has also encouraged residents to assist the police by identifying “bad players”.
Barbuda’s population growth has been fuelled by developments such as the Burton-Nibbs International Airport and high-end hotels, attracting skilled and other workers. However, concerns are mounting over the social consequences of this influx.
Government Senator Knacyntar Nedd-Charles recently raised alarms about rising crime and drug use among young people on the island. Speaking during a Senate debate, Nedd-Charles revealed that hard drugs which she termed as “the white stuff” have infiltrated the sister island.
“I am worried for our young people in Barbuda. I have seen persons my age and younger walk pass me on the street like zombies,” she said, attributing their behaviour to the use of “hard stuff” which often describes the drug cocaine.
Reports also highlight an increase in prostitution and unusual petty crimes, with some attributing these issues to foreign influences.
Nedd-Charles has called for stronger law enforcement, saying that Barbuda’s police force is understaffed and in dire need of additional resources.
“It is my opinion that the law enforcement unit in Barbuda, they are understaffed. They need additional help … so that they are able to police the streets of Barbuda more effectively.’
In response, Nedd-Charles has committed to supporting young people through social programmes aimed at addressing these issues.
