JAMAICA
The crime monster and youths at risk
The Crime Monster has been wreaking havoc in Jamaica for many years and has spiraled to the point that it is almost out of control. It is quite worrying knowing that many young people participate in crime.
Recently, youth crime involvement has steadily increased, with the main criminals being age 15 to 24. The 2009 Economic and Social Survey of Jamaica (ESSJ) reports that 124 males aged 16-20 were arrested for robbery, 78 for murder, 79 for shooting, and 104 for breaking and entering.
What is even more startling is that some children begin crime before age 15, and reports show that Jamaica's young males are mostly involved in violent crimes. The ESSJ also stated that last year 124 youth between the ages of 12 and 15 years were arrested, and were involved in robbery, murder, and breaking and entering.
These statistics show a bleak future for Jamaica. Reasons given to explain why youth commit crimines include peer pressure, unemployment, drug abuse, and poverty.
The National Centre for Youth Development (NCYD) is concerned about youth involvement in crime, so the Centre has tailored initiatives to appeal to the island's youth, steering them from crime. It has also partnered with other organisations, providing alternatives to crime through employment opportunities for those who may try theft to make ends meet. These are particularly targeted at rural and inner city communities.
Recently, the NCYD, through the Montego Bay Youth Information Centre, partnered with the Youth Crime Watch of Jamaica (YCWJ), the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), and the Flankers Peace and Justice Centre (FPJC) to establish a lounge and car wash in the Flankers Community providing youth employment opportunities.
Mentorship programmes have empowered the youth to create a brighter future for themselves through skills training, leadership programmes, and counselling.
Additionally, the NCYD partners with the Directory of Juvenile Services, lending support to youth in state care. Plans are also formulated to work with juvenile probationers at the Kingston & St Andrew Probation Offices.
The NCYD provides a holistic programme, catering to those on the brink of engaging in crime as well as those who are involved. The Centre endeavours to reach young people before they make that detrimental step and tries to rehabilitate those who have already begun. These programmes can help to develop love of country and will help youth to tackle the crime monster.
29 June 2010
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/teenage/The-crime-monster-and-youths-at-risk_7749670
