YOUTH CRIME A CONCERN

Barbados is grappling with a disturbing surge in youth crime, which experts attribute to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cheryl Willoughby, director of the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit (CJRPU), sounded the alarm during the launch of the National Peace Programme’s Livewise Campaign at Starcom Network studios.

Willoughby highlighted that the pandemic has exacerbated existing social and educational inequalities, particularly for young men aged 16 to 18. These youth, she noted, were disproportionately affected by the lack of educational support during lockdowns, which has contributed to their increased involvement in serious crimes, including murder, gun-related offences, burglaries, and robberies.

Data released in November underscores the gravity of the situation. Many of the young men now entangled in violent and acquisitive crimes are those who missed crucial educational opportunities during the pandemic years.

Willoughby emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues: “When we examine the data we recognise that these young people are the ones who did not benefit really from serious sound education during the COVID period,” she explained, pointing to the disruptions caused by the pandemic’s shutdowns. “When you go back four years, you’ll recognise that was the time when Barbados literally shut down.”Willoughby stressed there needed to be urgent action to stem the tide of youth being involved in criminal matters.

“We have to look at what systems have been put in place to mediate some of the crises these young people experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.