Can Bajans Become Bounty Hunters?

Without making light of the efforts of the local police, people are asking how is it that reward money can be put up so quickly, and it seems effectively, to help solve an attack on a Canadian tourist. Some have pointed a finger that shelling out money to those who provide 'useful information' leading to an arrest did not seem to be forthcoming in the case of former Chief Immigration Officer Kenrick Hutson, who was shot dead while sitting on his patio on the night of December 28, 2007 (see David "Joey" Harper's comments in the Advocate on March 28, 2009). Mr. Harper wrote "I am concerned that this man – whose only crime was to sit in the comfort of his patio – that his life was not worth a twenty thousand dollar reward for the apprehension of his killer." My recollection, however, is that a reward was in fact offered by the Hutson family and police (B$ 5000) soon after the crime, but it seems that this did not tempt anyone with knowledge of the crime to share that for a bounty (see report). Is part of the explanation that economic times are harder now or the larger inducement (B$ 20,000) sufficient to get someone to come forward?

Judging by early reactions to the recent introduction of Crime Stoppers to Barbados, local people are very concerned that their anonymity will be compromised if they come forward to give tips about crimes.

However, bounty hunting is not working universally. Barbadians are now on the trail of other villains, but at a real snail's pace. Giant African snails have a price on their heads, albeit a mere 50 cents a pound. Last week, the Ministry of Agriculture began a one-off bounty programme in an effort to collect and burn the varmints. But, so far, according to Minsiter Haynesley Been, the take up has been limited and the bounty will be extended. In fact at an exercise mounted at the weekend, only Ministry of Agriculture officials crawled out of their shells to participate in a 'community snail hunt and burning'. The Minister is calling for better coordination. While it may be that few are interested in overcoming their fears and squeamishness about the snails and getting down to some sliming, one has to wonder if the price is right. People may grumble about the destruction caused by the chomping snails, but until real food is seen to be eaten by the snails, I suspect most people will remain typically 'all talk and little action'. Where have I heard that before?

But perhaps the crucial incentive is just around the comment. Already, I see a comment that "It is not good for the tourism industry because some snails are already on some hotel compounds". Please don't let it be that the snails are only a threat when tourists are at risk. But shouldn't the hotels be figuring out how to get them from the lawns onto the visitors' plates. "Escargots, monsieur?"

Meanwhile, locals keep doing what they were encouraged to and go snail baiting. But, bait is not the best way, because when they die this way adult snails can each eject up to 1200 eggs (see Advocate report). The empty shells left behind by poisoning could also then pose another problem as they collected rain water and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Will we ever win the fight against slime?