2. Objectives of presentation
To discuss the current crime trends in
Trinidad and Tobago;
To identify some of the views about youth
crime in Trinidad and Tobago;
To provide some policy considerations for
responding to youth crime and violence.
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3. Introduction
Trinidad and Tobago is one of the leading
economies in the Caribbean;
Crime is the “single most important issue facing the
nation” (MORI Wave XIV Report);
Over last decade there has been an escalation in
violent crime largely attributed to a proliferation of
guns, drugs and gangs;
Crime and violence poses a significant governance
and development challenge.
4. Statistics on crime – key trends
Serious Crimes
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0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Total Serious Crimes
Total Serious Crimes
Source: Crime and Problem Analysis Unit (CAPA)
5. Statistics on crime – key trends
cont’d
Homicides
5
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Total Murders
Total Murders
Source: Crime and Problem Analysis Unit (CAPA)
6. Statistics on crime – key trends
cont’d
Young males between the ages of 15-
29yrs are disproportionately represented
as both perpetrators and victims of
homicide;
Gang-related homicides increased by over
400%.
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7. Current Views about Crime-
Key Stakeholders
Factors influencing (Male)Youth Crime:
Poverty/Hunger
Family issues
Communities – negative role models
“Bling”/Brands Culture
No value placed on education
Peer Pressure; pressure from the opposite sex (“gangster man”)
Attractiveness of life of crime (“quick money”)
Targeting & recruitment of gangs
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8. Current Views about Crime
Cont’d
The Meaning Behind their Behavior:
Asserting themselves as individuals
Revenge/Retaliation/Rebellion
Recognition (“props”)/attention seeking
Masking their failures
Respect and power
Gaining acceptance
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9. Current Views about Crime
Cont’d
Protective Factors
Strong parental influence in youth’s life
Clear goal setting and plan for life
Spiritual guidance
Being shown positive interest by others
Family stability
Involvement with positive peers and positive
extracurricular activities
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10. Some Key Issues Emerging
Alternative system of achievement;
Redefinitions of the concept of
responsibility and respect;
Lack of positive male role models; and
positive alternatives within the
community;
Need to tackle issues through a gender
lens.
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11. What Can Be Done –
Policy Considerations
Recognize and address the needs of youth
as a special group;
Strengthen families and build individual,
family and community resilience;
Provide sustainable opportunities for
youth transformation;
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12. What Can Be Done –
Policy Considerations Cont’d
Listen to the voices of youth as they are
given the opportunity to share their
perspectives;
Strive to encourage meaningful youth
participation in the development of effective
youth programmes, policies and services;
Further investigate the lived experiences of
young persons involved in criminal behavior.
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13. Conclusion
Despite heavy investment in varied crime
reduction efforts, crime remains a serious
national issue.
Youths need to be placed at the nucleus of
the solution-finding process; adopt
intervention models that are more inclusive
and participatory;
Government will, determination and
continuity is also required.
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14. THANKYOU FORYOUR KIND ATTENTION!
Maxine Hunte
Dept. of Behavioural Sciences
The University of the West Indies,Trinidad &
Tobago
maxinehunte@hotmail.com
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