THE ROYAL BARBADOS Police Force has embarked on sensitivity training regarding the LGBTI community.
Sixteen officers took part in the course alongside representatives of organisations such as Community Education, Empowerment & Development; the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Transgender people; the Barbados Gays, Lesbians and All-Sexuals Against Discrimination; Empowerment, Quality, Unity, Acceptance, Love, Strength; and the Movement Against Discrimination Action Committee.
Coordinator Marlene Hewitt said such training was necessary if Barbados was to keep its international commitments and she felt heartened by the response.
“It was great to get all these officers out to participate. Most of them were open to the training and I am confident awareness has been raised. The next step will be to hold a course for the top brass of the force and in three months, bring together focus groups to see how far we’ve come.
“We want everyone to see everyone else as human beings. You are free to think what you will but don’t let any bad thoughts become actions. Change cannot happen overnight but it is starting,” she said. (CA)
