A prominent businesswoman from St. James, Jamaica, is urging the police force to adopt a more balanced and understanding approach when interacting with the parish’s young men, emphasizing that age and appearance should not automatically equate to criminality. Ywanada Nelson, a diversified entrepreneur, has spoken out, stating that many youths, particularly males, face unfair targeting and harassment, a situation she believes hinders their potential and the nation’s progress.
Nelson, who manages a marketing company, operates an Airbnb, and is developing a chicken farm with her daughter, bases her advocacy on personal observation and a deep-seated concern for Jamaica’s future. She contends that a critical component of fostering a safer society lies not just in law enforcement, but in creating robust pathways to success for young people. “We need to invest in opportunities for young people, show them guidance, and build systems that help them succeed,” Nelson stated, highlighting that criminalizing youth based on their age or appearance only serves to push them further away from productive lives.
The Landscape of Youth and Crime in Jamaica
The concerns raised by Nelson resonate within a broader context of youth engagement with the justice system in Jamaica. Statistics indicate that young men, aged 15 to 24, constitute a significant portion of those arrested for serious and violent crimes. A 2021 report from the Ministry of National Security indicated that, on average, 40 percent of all known murder offenders in Jamaica fall within this age bracket. This pervasive issue underscores the urgency of finding effective strategies to divert youth from criminal involvement and toward positive engagement. Studies also show that youth are disproportionately affected by violence, both as perpetrators and victims, with many carrying weapons for self-protection. The link between lack of opportunity, such as high youth unemployment rates (31.8% for 15-24 year olds in 2016), and involvement in crime is well-documented.
Historically, young individuals, particularly males in certain communities, have faced scrutiny that can lead to feelings of alienation and being unfairly targeted by law enforcement. Some research points to negative perceptions officers can hold regarding juveniles, which can influence interactions and potentially exacerbate the problem.
Police Initiatives for Youth Engagement
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has long recognized the importance of engaging with young people as a preventative measure against crime. Initiatives such as the Police Youth Club (PYC) program, which dates back to the 1950s, aim to provide structured environments for youth to develop life skills, participate in community projects, and steer clear of negative influences. These clubs serve as a crucial bridge, fostering trust and rapport between the police and the community’s youth, working to mold young minds and provide positive guidance.
In St. James specifically, the police division has been actively implementing strategies to combat crime through community engagement. This includes adopting local schools to connect with at-risk youths and proposing initiatives to reduce violence. Senior Superintendent Mr. Vernon Ellis, while officer in charge of the St. James Division, championed efforts to reshape the future of young individuals by seeing schools as fertile ground for intervention. More recently, the St. James Police Division under Commanding Officer, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Eron Samuels, has focused on reviving police youth clubs and exploring innovative ways to engage young people, including offering opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment through programs like drone training. There are also broader national efforts, like the ‘Supporting Youth Development through Positive Youth Engagement’ program, which partners with organizations like USAID and Sandals Foundation to build resilience among at-risk youth in St. James communities.
Investing in Opportunities: A Path Forward
Nelson’s message strongly advocates for a shift in focus from solely punitive measures to one that prioritizes investment in the potential of Jamaica’s youth. Her own business ventures and charity work, which includes providing meals to Montego Bay residents and teaching community service, serve as a practical example of creating positive alternatives. By offering skills development and tangible opportunities, she believes young people can see a clear path away from the allure of criminal activities.
This perspective aligns with the understanding that crime is often a symptom of broader social and economic challenges. Addressing issues like educational attainment, unemployment, and lack of mentorship is crucial for long-term crime prevention. The news from St. James highlights a call for a more holistic approach, where law enforcement plays a role in safety and security, but where the community, business sector, and government collaborate to provide the guidance, support, and opportunities necessary for young Jamaicans to thrive and contribute positively to society.
Nelson’s advocacy underscores a vital point for the future of Jamaica: nurturing its young population through proactive engagement and meaningful opportunities is not just a social imperative, but a strategic investment in the nation’s overall development and security. This business news from Jamaica calls for a united effort to ensure that every young man has the chance to be a productive citizen.