Gangs in the Caribbean

For those with gang problems with a Caribbean connection in your jurisdictions here is a recent article from the Harvard International Review.

A Problem with International Consequences by Bilyana Tsvetkova

June 2009

“The alarmingly rapid growth in homicide statistics is mainly attributed to the recent proliferation of gang violence in the region. Among the Caribbean states, Jamaica, Guyana, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago are the countries with the most severe gang problems. The police have recently reported the existence in Jamaica of about 200 gangs. In 2005, there were 66 known gangs in Trinidad and Tobago with approximately 500 members. Apart from their significant impact on homicide rates, gangs have seriously affected some Caribbean national economies and have emerged as an international problem through their involvement in drug and arms trafficking. Although the main problems are clear, finding the solution for them has been a complex task for the Caribbean and the international community.”

To read the full article, please click here.