Garvin Heerah
In T&T, the alarming trend of our youth being lured into gangs and a life of crime has reached a crisis point. The heart of this issue lies in the absence of strong familial structures, particularly the role of fathers. Our young men and women, many of whom grow up without father figures, are left vulnerable and exposed, seeking belonging and security in the wrong places. Why are our young people choosing a life of crime over a career or academic foundation? This is a question that haunts us. The answer lies in the stark reality of fatherlessness. When fathers are absent, their children are deprived of guidance, support, and the emotional stability necessary for healthy development. This void is often filled by gangs, which offer a twisted sense of family and security.
The allure of quick money, power, and a false sense of respect draws our youth into a dangerous path. The mindset of violence and guns has invaded our communities, including the once-peaceful Tobago. The prevalence of this culture of violence begs the question: Why? Why are our young people choosing to rob, rape, steal, and kill?
This behaviour is a desperate cry for attention, for recognition, and for a place in a world that has largely ignored them. It is a tragic cycle where the absence of positive role models leads to the emulation of negative ones. The lack of response from areas of national security to quell and restore order is another critical issue.
We must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to protect and guide our youth? The answer is, alarmingly, no. Our nation's future is at stake if we continue along this path. The next generation is supposed to build on the foundation we have laid, but if that foundation is crumbling, what hope do we have for a prosperous and peaceful future?
This piece is a wake-up call for all sectors of governance. We need comprehensive policies that address the root causes of crime, not just its symptoms. This includes investing in community programmes that provide mentorship, support, and opportunities for our youth. Schools, churches, and community centres must become sanctuaries of hope and growth, not just places of temporary refuge.
Moreover, we need a cultural shift that reinstates the importance of fatherhood. Fathers need to be present, involved, and active in their children's lives. This will not only provide the guidance and support our youth need but will also help to break the cycle of crime and violence.
Recent videos by vloggers and YouTube influencers have shed light on the desperate plight of our nation's youth, who are jobless and have nowhere else to turn. These brave individuals have crossed our self-imposed borderlines to interview young people entrenched in a life of crime. However, the surface-level needs they uncovered—such as the lack of employment and direction—are only part of the story.
My research delves deeper, revealing a more complex narrative. At one time, these youths were attending school, involved in a structured learning system, and had access to opportunities that could have paved the way for a better future. They were part of a building process that offered the promise of a stable and successful life.
Yet, somewhere along the line, they became disinterested, dropping out of school and abandoning their educational pursuits. This shift in their mindset was not random; it was a result of the insidious infiltration of gangland ideology. The glorification of gang life began to take root in their young minds as early as primary school.
What was once a period of innocence and learning became overshadowed by the allure of gangs and the false sense of identity and belonging they offered. The notion of power, respect, and quick financial gain promised by gangs became more appealing than the disciplined path of education and legitimate work. The transformation of residential communities into gang-controlled territories exacerbated this problem.
These neighbourhoods, once places of safety and growth, became hotspots of criminal activity. The criminal demarcation of false borders not only created physical divisions but also fostered an environment where young minds were easily swayed by the promises of gang life. The sense of community was replaced by fear and control, making it difficult for positive influences to take root.
In these gang-dominated communities, the youth found a misplaced sense of belonging and identity. The gangs provided them with a pseudo-family structure that they lacked at home, especially in the absence of strong father figures. This environment made it nearly impossible for them to see beyond the immediate gratification and false glory of gang life. The gangs offered them a way to cope with their socio-economic challenges but at a devastating cost to their futures and the safety of our society.
This analysis reveals the critical need for targeted interventions that address the root causes of youth crime. It is not enough to provide superficial solutions like job opportunities and recreational activities. We must combat the gangland ideology that has infiltrated our communities and schools. This requires a multifaceted approach that includes strengthening familial structures, especially the role of fathers, and reclaiming our communities from criminal elements.
We must also enhance our educational systems to keep young minds engaged and inspired. Schools should be safe havens where students can learn and grow without the looming threat of gang influence. Community programmes that provide mentorship and support are crucial in this fight. By offering positive role models and a sense of purpose, we can steer our youth away from the destructive path of crime and towards a brighter future.
Our nation stands at a crossroads. The choices we make today will determine the future of T&T. We must act decisively and compassionately to save our youth from the clutches of gang life and provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. The time for action is now. Let us come together as a nation to restore hope, security, and prosperity for all.
In conclusion, the crisis of youth crime in T&T is a multifaceted issue that requires immediate and concerted action. It is not just about increasing police presence or implementing harsher penalties. It is about reaching the hearts of our youth, showing them that they are valued, and providing them with the tools and opportunities to choose a better path.
Our nation's future depends on it. Let's act now, with urgency and compassion, to save our young generation and secure a hopeful future for T&T.