Tue Aug 6, 2013

As we sadly reflect on the latest spate of criminal violence and killings right here in our country, it can hardly be of comfort to us to hear the news of even more horrific incidents in neighbouring Caribbean territories.{{more}}

The security forces in Trinidad and Tobago have been put on full alert and emergency meetings of the National Security Council called in response to a number of killings that have that nation in shock. A dozen persons have been murdered in T&T in the space of less than 72 hours, including seven between last Friday evening and Saturday morning. Five of these have been deemed by the Police to be gang-related.

This is a phenomenon sweeping the region for which we have as yet not been able to make a serious response. In St Lucia, the Government is mooting legislation to deal with gangs and the entire CARICOM region, from Belize in the north down to Guyana and Suriname in the south, is suffering from this violent epidemic.

It seems as though traditional approaches are not succeeding; thus it is of paramount importance that alternative strategies be developed and implemented both at the regional, as well as the national levels.