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1. AddressingYouth Crime
inTrinidad &Tobago:
Some Observations
Maxine Hunte
The University of theWest Indies, St.Augustine
CSA Conference
WorldTrade Centre, Curacao
30 May - 3 June, 2011

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
4
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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