Study says gangs in B’dos nothing new

 

Evidence suggests that Barbados has always had gangs but they have evolved over time.
 
This is according to a study recently completed on the status of gangs in this country by the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit (CJRPU).
 
News of this study came from Director of the CJRPU, Cheryl Willoughby during the opening of the Criminal Justice System of Barbados – Train the Trainer – Peer Mentorship Workshopfor Faith-Based Organisations, held at the 3W’s Oval, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus yesterday.
 
She explained that the availability and access to firearms have fuelled the violence associated with gang activity.
 
In addition, she noted that there is the element of the ‘block culture’ where gang members are often seen congregating on some blocks for the purpose of engaging in criminal activity.
 
However, she stressed “This does not mean that blocks are the breeding grounds or homes for gangs or that everyone who are on blocks are engaged in criminal activity.”
 
The Director went on to express the need for a thorough assessment of high risk communities coupled with outreach programme. She said this is an important crime prevention strategy which can be effective in identifying and addressing the specific needs of young people in their respective communities.
 
The CJRPU workshop is the first of many interventions planned to address crime in communities. The objective is to engage churches in proactive programming and  highlight the realities of the issues confronting Barbadian youth. These include: drugs, gun and gang violence, domestic violence and risky sexual behaviour - issues that cause fear which often impact productivity and economic development.
 
According to Willoughby, crime is a social problem that needs a holistic response. She believes this must include restrictive measures through laws and policies coupled with social intervention.
 
“Laws by nature restrict or impose sanctions on behaviours as apposed to bringing about the needed change for rehabilitation and diversion from criminal activity. The church in Barbados has a rich history of addressing social needs. The church has always responded to not only the spiritual development of Barbadians but also the social and emotional needs. The church played a pivotal role from slavery until now in the areas of education, healthcare and common law principles.”
 
“This look back in our history is to highlight the important role the church played in Barbados’ development and still plays today. The church’s voice and social action must continue to be heard and seen in communities. This cannot be accomplished only from within the sanctity of the walls of the church, but rather church members must venture out and interact with their communities,” 
she told youth leaders. (TL)

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