Cummings responds to UN report on crime: Most youth want to do well

Understanding the Roots of Gang Involvement in the Caribbean

The UNODC report titled "Caribbean Gangs: Drugs, Firearms and Gangs Networks in Jamaica, St Lucia, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago" provides a detailed analysis of gang formation and activity in the region. It reveals that many gangs originated as "self-help" or "neighbourhood improvement" groups within low-income and informal settlements where state presence was limited or absent.

These groups often emerged in response to social and economic deprivation, filling voids left by inadequate social services and government support. The report highlights that gangs serve not only as criminal enterprises but also as social institutions that address feelings of alienation among youth. For many young males lacking education and employment opportunities, gangs offer money, respect, a sense of belonging, and social identity.

This dual role complicates efforts to combat gang violence, as interventions must address both the criminal activities and the underlying social needs that gangs fulfill.

Minister Foster Cummings’ Perspective: Youth Seeking Productive Paths

In response to the UN report, Minister Foster Cummings emphasized that the majority of young people in Trinidad and Tobago are not drawn to crime but are actively seeking opportunities for self-improvement and productive engagement. He highlighted the mandate of his ministry to empower youth by providing access to legal and productive activities.

Cummings underscored the importance of creating opportunities accessible to all young people, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not afford private training or education. According to him, equipping youth with skills and training for employment or entrepreneurship reduces the pool of individuals vulnerable to recruitment by criminal elements.

He noted that criminal groups often prey on those with idle time and no clear career or educational path, reinforcing the need for structured programs that keep youth engaged in meaningful activities.

Government Programs Targeting Youth Empowerment

The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, under Cummings’ leadership, implements a variety of programs aimed at youth empowerment. These initiatives focus on skills training, career development, and fostering entrepreneurial capabilities.

Cummings described efforts to monitor and evaluate program outcomes by tracking the number of young people reached and their progress post-training. This data-driven approach helps tailor future programs to better meet youth needs and maximize impact.

Particular attention is being given to young people classified as "not in employment, education, or training" (NEET), a group considered especially vulnerable to negative influences. The ministry is increasing focus on this demographic to provide pathways back into productive engagement.

Moreover, youth training extends beyond a single ministry. The Ministry of Trade and Industry offers apprenticeships in sectors such as yachting and woodworking, while the Ministry of Agriculture provides agricultural training. Educational institutions like the University of the West Indies (UWI), University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), and technical agencies such as COSTAATT, YTEPP, MIC, NESC, and CARIRI also contribute to youth development through various programs.

This multi-sectoral approach reflects a comprehensive government strategy to equip young people with diverse skills aligned with market demands.

Challenges and the Role of Families and Individual Motivation

Despite extensive government efforts, Minister Cummings acknowledged that youth development is not solely the responsibility of state programs. Family support and an individual’s personal desire to improve their circumstances play critical roles in determining outcomes.

The minister emphasized that while programs provide opportunities and training, the ultimate success depends on young people’s willingness to engage and strive for excellence in their chosen paths.

This recognition highlights the multifaceted nature of youth empowerment, where social, familial, and personal factors intersect with institutional support.

Balancing Perspectives: Crime, Opportunity, and Youth Aspirations

The UNODC report paints a sobering picture of the social realities that contribute to gang formation and youth involvement in crime. It underscores the structural challenges of poverty, limited state presence, and social alienation.

Conversely, Minister Cummings’ response offers a hopeful counterpoint, emphasizing that most youth aspire to better their lives through legitimate means. His insights reveal ongoing government efforts to provide alternatives to crime through skills training, employment opportunities, and targeted support for vulnerable groups.

Together, these perspectives suggest that addressing youth crime requires a balanced approach—one that acknowledges the root causes of gang involvement while actively promoting and expanding pathways for positive youth development.

What this means

The complex issue of youth involvement in gangs in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean cannot be addressed by law enforcement alone. The UNODC report highlights the socio-economic roots of gang formation, while Minister Foster Cummings’ response underscores the importance of empowering youth through education, skills training, and employment opportunities. The government’s multi-faceted approach, involving various ministries and institutions, aims to provide young people with viable alternatives to crime. However, the success of these efforts also depends on family support and the personal commitment of youth themselves. Moving forward, sustained investment in youth development and a balanced understanding of the challenges and aspirations of young people will be critical to reducing crime and fostering a more productive society.