Gang violence continues to weigh heavily on the St James community, but residents and leaders are working with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to chart a safer, more positive path for young people.
Residents of St James turned out in large numbers at the Dibe Community Centre on Wednesday night for a town meeting hosted by members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
One resident, identified as Jameela, highlighted the need for a greater police presence, noting that gang violence remains a pressing concern for the community.
“Recently, well, a couple months ago there would’ve been a shooting near to my home, Belle Vue. It looks a bit consistent because they do a shooting once every year, and my brother was minutes away from getting shoot too, and I’d like you all to at least have a jeep because after the shooting you all had a jeep at the bottom of Belle Vue for a week, and then that’s it. I’m so paranoid now. I was never the type. What if I was outside?”
In an effort to curb gang influence in the area, President of the Belle Vue/Dibe/Dundonald Hill Community Council, Philma Browne-Hyacinth, appealed for TTPS support to guide, mentor and keep young people engaged in positive activities.
She added that the Council has been in talks with the Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP) on a certified training initiative designed to steer youths away from gang violence and towards a more productive path.
“Right now I have a listing in my possession that I need to get information from anyone who wants to join the programme. Most likely the programme is going to be an afternoon programme; it is a six-months programme, it is an NEC-certified programme, and we would like to make it happen in January, but we need to also get the persons.”
Head of Western Division for the TTPS, Senior Superintendent Sylvester Williams, acknowledged that while a more positive police presence is needed for young people in the area, he remains uncertain whether community members will embrace the initiative.
He noted that similar opportunities had been offered in the past, with paid programmes made available, but many young people rejected them.
“There are instances when courses and so on are made available, the people are offered a stipend, there are instances when the councillors go so far as to organise transport as well, and the youths still not accessing the courses.”
Despite past reluctance from community members, Senior Superintendent Williams pledged greater commitment to St James as the TTPS works to create a safer environment for residents.