**Barbados Declares State of Emergency as Criminal Gangs Run Rampant**.
**Bridgetown, Barbados** – The government of Barbados has declared a state of emergency in response to a surge in violent crime perpetrated by criminal gangs. Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the measure on Friday, August 19, 2022, after a week of escalating violence that has left multiple people dead and injured..
**Gangs Unleash Mayhem**.
In recent weeks, criminal gangs in Barbados have engaged in brazen acts of violence, targeting innocent civilians and disrupting the island’s peace. Drive-by shootings, home invasions, and robberies have become commonplace, instilling fear and insecurity among the populace..
According to police reports, at least six people have been killed and several others injured in gang-related incidents since August 11. The victims include a 16-year-old girl and a 60-year-old man who were fatally shot during unrelated attacks..
**State of Emergency Declared**.
In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Mottley declared a state of emergency for a period of 30 days. The measure grants the government and police broad powers to combat the escalating violence..
