By Kisean Joseph
Recently, government officials have begun the process of meeting with youth gangs to foster peace.
While public attention can embolden gangs, the responsibility for their actions lie with the gangs themselves.
Director of Education Clare Browne shared, “I am of the firm view that the most effective counter to gangs in any society is the maintenance of law and order.”
Browne articulated,” There is no doubt that social status is conferred when gangs obtain a significant level of notoriety, I believe that there should be a valiant attempt on the part of the media and the public at large to reduce the publicity extended to gangs.”
“The responsibility for gang activities does not reside with local media, but the media can be an important vector of emboldenment,” said Browne.
The recent meeting between government officials and a prominent gang stirred significant controversy throughout the nation. News of this dialogue spread rapidly, igniting heated debates in various forums – from social media platforms to community gatherings and political circles.
The public’s reaction has been a mix of skepticism and outright condemnation, and as plans of a similar meeting with a rival gang circulates, the community is deeply divided.
Browne said that he respects the moral argument that officials should not negotiate with gangs. However, “I have no issue with negotiations aimed at reducing high levels of violence among young people.”
The Director went on to express, “I am not privy to the full details of the agreement. What I believe is that agreements should not be narrow, unsustainable and entail huge privileges for gang leaders and their members.”
Finally, Browne said, “The relative peace achieved after narrow negotiations hangs by a thread. Once either of the parties makes a false step, the illusion of peace dissolves, and the country is brought back to its violent reality.”
