The Domestic Terrorism Bill now before the House of Assembly creates a new offence targeting reckless shootings and violent attacks in public places, which Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams declared on Tuesday was a necessary response to a changing Barbados.

In today’s Barbados, he told lawmakers, disputes were no longer handled by fists and the pelting of rocks but by firearms in the hands of people who “don’t care” and who traded in the business of crime, retaliation and terror.

While terrorism often refers to violent acts for political purposes, Abrahams defended the anti-terror bill, noting that the government has recognised situations where terror is created in the hearts of citizens.