BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce has credited a reduction in murders in 2025 to intelligence-led policing and stronger community partnerships, while cautioning that gun crime, rising robberies, and fatal road accidents remain serious challenges as Barbados heads into 2026.
In his Christmas message to members of the Barbados Police Service and the wider public, Boyce said the year had brought both “challenges and triumphs, praising officers and civilian staff for their resilience, professionalism, and teamwork.
“Through your resilience, professionalism, and teamwork, we have continued to strengthen the bond between police and community, and I commend all members of the Service for your contribution to the reduction in murders – a clear indicator that our intelligence-led policing, community partnerships, and strategic interventions are making a real difference in saving lives and restoring safety to our communities,” he said.
At the same time, the Commissioner warned that gun violence continues to cause fear and disruption.
“We recognise that gun crime remains a serious and troubling challenge, one that has caused fear, pain, and disruption in too many lives,” Boyce said. While noting that the Barbados Police Service is making steady progress through targeted enforcement, intelligence gathering and community collaboration, he added: “There is still work to be done, and I ask for the continued patience, trust, and support of the public as, together, we work to wrestle this problem to the ground and restore a deeper sense of security in every community.”
Boyce also flagged a worrying rise in other criminal activity during the year, particularly robberies.
“This year, robberies have seen a notable and troubling increase, reminding us of the ever-changing nature of crime and the need to remain vigilant, adaptive, and proactive,” he said, stressing that the Service’s response in 2026 must be guided by “thoughtful analysis, collaboration, and decisive action.
Road safety was another area of concern, with the Commissioner pointing to the continuing loss of life from traffic accidents.
“Equally concerning have been the incidents of fatal accidents on our roads, which continue to bring tragedy to too many families. Each life lost is one too many,” he said, adding that the police remain committed to intensifying road safety education and enforcement.
Looking ahead, Boyce said the Service would build on its achievements while confronting persistent challenges, as it continues efforts to modernise operations and deepen community partnerships.
“Guided by the values of discipline, compassion, and fairness, we will continue to modernise our Service, enhance community partnerships, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism,” he said.
Boyce extended Christmas greetings to police personnel and the wider public, urging officers to rest and reconnect with family while remembering colleagues who have died and those who remained on duty over the holidays. He closed by wishing Barbadians a “blessed Christmas and a successful New Year, reaffirming the motto of the Barbados Police Service: ‘To serve, protect, and reassure.”
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