Independent Senator Canon Dr John Rogers has described Barbados as a “society under siege”, warning that while a proposed anti-gang law was necessary, legislation alone would not solve the country’s crime problem.

“Barbados has become a foreign place,” he said, adding that the country had become foreign not only in terms of demographics but also because of ideologies that had taken root within society.

The Anglican cleric called for tougher parenting, stronger community involvement, and a return to discipline as the Senate moved on Friday to tackle rising gang activity and violent crime through the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill.