Today, as we mark Good Friday, a day of deep sorrow, reflection, and hope, we are reminded of the profound sacrifice Jesus Christ made at Calvary and the enduring power of redemption, even in the darkest hour.

Barbados stands at a solemn crossroads. During this holy Eastertide season, and indeed over the course of the last year, the peace we have cherished as a people has far too often been shattered by news of crime, violence and murder. We are simply grieving the loss of too many of our sons and daughters.

And regrettably, these tragedies are piercing the very soul of our nation. They call on us to confront not only the scourge of gun violence, but also the deeper wounds within our communities that are crying out for healing, purpose, and hope to replace anger, resentment and fear.

Good Friday reminds us that even amidst suffering, there is a promise of resurrection and change. I urge us to draw on our faith, our shared values, and our love for this beautiful nation we call home, to reject the path of violence and embrace those values that have brought us thus far as a people.

To those of the Christian religion who recognise this holy day, I urge you, yes, to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ in this context. But to every Barbadian I ask you to reflect on the sacrifice we must each be willing to make, for our children, our communities, and the future of this island we love.

May this sacred day move us not only to mourn, but to act. Not only to pray, but to protect. And not only to reflect, but to commit to making the right choices every day.

On behalf of the Government of Barbados, I wish each of you a safe and purposeful Good Friday.

May God bless you, and may God bless Barbados.