Kisean Joseph
In recent years, the nation has witnessed a troubling increase in youth violence, leading to urgent calls for solutions and intervention.
As headlines become more and more common with stories of assaults, gang violence, and tragic incidents claiming young lives, the question becomes increasingly important: what factors are driving this alarming trend?
Experts point to various influences, from societal pressures and family instability to the impact of social media and economic inequalities. We asked six local experts and youth activists for their thoughts on how to address this issue.
‘Holistic approach needed’
Jamie Saunders
Executive Director of the Directorate of Gender Affairs
“I believe that the culture that we’re seeing of youth violence is something that has been progressing over the past, not only weeks and months but years, and it hasn’t always necessarily been as pronounced and visible as we’re seeing currently.
“We’ve always seen certain issues around bullying, poor conflict resolution skills, the use of weapons and things like that.
“That’s something that has been around, and I think it’s just continued to evolve. But I do think it’s a cause for concern, and it calls for concerted efforts.
“I think parents play a critical role in terms of not only curbing deviant behaviour in youth but ensuring that it can be prevented and mitigated against before it happens.
“Ideally, I think, in terms of just ensuring adequate supervision, ensuring that they are aware of the child’s whereabouts, that the child has constructive activities to be engaged in even after school hours, just ensuring that certain values are instilled within those children, and even just setting positive examples for them behaviourally, as sometimes children may model the behaviour that they see from their parents, from their peers, so ensuring that the environments they are in are conducive towards them adopting behaviours that will lead to them being positively contributing members of society.
“I think the whole of society has to come together to ensure that we’re taking a holistic approach to the issue. So, that means it’s not just the government; that means it’s the church, that means it’s the parents, that means it’s the men playing a role in the community, being a father figure to those young men who maybe don’t have a father.”
‘Action needed on synthetic drugs’
Franz DeFreitas
Parent, youth activist, and mentor
“There is a critical issue that, if not addressed very soon, will have a devastating effect on a generation of young people in Antigua and Barbuda. There are many reasons why we have growing youth on youth violence and crime.
“We are dealing with a generation of young people who are born in the information technology age. That allows them to be able to navigate and access a series of information and education that forms how they think.
“Children have no reason before the age of 24. They can’t have reason because reason comes with the development of the frontal lobe, a part of the human brain that is just not there before the age of 24. And so, in the past, family and parents have had a bigger impact or played a bigger role in this acquisition of information and education and entertainment.
“It would be remiss of me not to address the issue of marijuana in impacting this uptick. And I want to be nuanced in this regard that the marijuana, the herb that we see impacting young people, is not natural marijuana grown on the tree in the back of somebody’s yard somewhere.
“We’re dealing with a lot of synthetic substances that we are calling marijuana maybe because it has THC or it has some other elements of the natural plant. But the issue is the market in Antigua has been flooded with synthetic drugs that are having an adverse effect and we seem to be unable to regulate it.
“And I will note, in Antigua, we have laws that decriminalise, that is make it widely available for a cross-section, I believe, of young people who should not be able to participate in the use of this drug.”
‘The role of the parent is paramount’
Dr Ezra Jonah Greene
Deputy Director of Education
“We have made many attempts to work with our stakeholders to try to ensure that our various stakeholders do what they have to do to reduce violence.
“As it pertains to how I feel personally about the state of violence, I personally do not condone, nor have I ever condoned, violence in any format.
“I’ve always worked with my students while I was in the classroom, and as I continue to work with teachers and school principals and the administration of schools, I personally believe in what I call the culture of hope, in that once we instil hope in our students – and hope and violence are two very far ends of the pendulum – then our students would behave in an appropriate manner.
“As it pertains to what is happening, we continue to work with schools, we continue to work with the police departments, we continue to work with our counselling units to ensure that we teach students what is right.
“We need to go back to those basic disciplinary procedures, and the things that we used to do at home within our learning, within our home environments, where parents teach positive behaviour. And parents, they don’t only teach it verbally, but they also teach it by their own actions.
“Once that happens within the learning, the home environment, then it is reinforced at the school level, and by us working very closely together, and even within the communities, as we work together and as this loop actually completes itself, then you would see our children behaving much better.”
‘Solutions won’t come overnight’
Joshua Edwards
Influencer and youth activist
Edwards spoke of the complex challenges that today’s youth encounter and the social systems that surround them.
He reflected on intergenerational dynamics, attributing the current state of affairs to the perceived failures of previous generations.
He emphasised the urgent need for a coordinated effort to address these complex issues, highlighting the critical roles of parents, communities, and religious institutions in shaping the upbringing of young individuals.
Furthermore, he underscored the importance of fostering youth empowerment, providing comprehensive education, and creating ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
In conclusion, Edwards said, “Our problems didn’t come overnight, and neither will the solution; with respect and an emphasis on youth development, we can bring about the change we want to see”.
‘It’s easy to feel overwhelmed’
Koren Norton
Counsellor and author
“As we witness an alarming increase in crime, the fear for our safety, the lives of those we love, and the future of our children grows. Every news report of another young life lost or another act of senseless violence hits us in the heart, reminding us that the safety and well-being of our children are at stake.
“The rising tide of crime in Antigua and Barbuda is a call to action for all of us. We cannot stand idly by while our communities are threatened and our lives endangered.
“I want to speak specifically to parents. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, even powerless, in the face of such challenges. But as parents, you hold immense power in shaping the futures of our children.
“The choices we make, the lessons we impart, and the support we offer can steer them away from the paths that lead to crime and gangs. Create a home environment where your child feels safe to express their thoughts and feelings.
“Be an active listener, and talk about the dangers of crime and gang involvement openly. Take an interest in who your child’s friends are and what they do together, and let them bring the friends home so you can observe them.
“Involve your child in sports, arts, or community service. These activities not only keep them busy but also provide them with a sense of belonging and achievement.
“Establish clear rules and expectations in your home. Let your child know the consequences of breaking these rules, and be consistent in enforcing them. Children need structure and clear boundaries to help them understand what is acceptable behaviour and what is not.
“Teach your child about the different forms of peer pressure and how to handle it. Use your experiences, use the experiences of others, use the news, use whatever tools are necessary to tell them and show them what is not right for them and why.”
‘Prayer is the answer’
Shamia Rhoden
Youth activist
“It’s getting out of control. One is the fact that the criminals are known and they’re not detained. We know who the criminals are and they’re not being detained. It’s kind of shocking to me.
“I feel like Antigua is supposed to be a safe place for our tourism industry.”
She expressed that traditionally “a father is a disciplinarian while the mother cares for the child’s emotions”.
“Now, lately, you see a lot of single mothers and single fathers. So, the father or mother is trying to play every role, trying to manage taking care of the child but still not sparing the rod.
“Man will lead you astray. So, it’s not even only the parents, it’s also the church. Prayer is the answer because it creates a consistent conversation. And that conversation guides your morality and behaviour.”
When asked if society is failing young people, Rhoden said, “Yes, emotionally, because we see more emotionally damaged individuals in our youths. We’re failing them financially because of the economic crisis; it’s very bad in Antigua.
“Personally, I don’t know why we have young people walking around with cutlasses and knives. I don’t know where it came from.”
