As violent crime continues to climb in Barbados, sport must be viewed as a key crime prevention tool that can help steer young people away from violence and towards positive opportunities, Minister of Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith has said.

In a statement, Griffith said that while law enforcement remains essential, preventing crime must begin long before offences are committed by strengthening families, communities and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.

He said: “The recent rise in violent crime across our country has caused understandable concern among citizens from every walk of life. With Barbados recording 28 homicides so far this year, many families are mourning the loss of loved ones, communities are grappling with fear and uncertainty and the nation is once again reflecting on what more can be done to address this troubling situation.”