Criminal Activities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

A Proposed Financing Solution to a Development Problem in my Country

Criminal Activities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Introduction In the readings Financing for Development: Billions to Trillions to Action, Jan Eliasson defines Development as A life in peace, without poverty and inequalities, respect of human right, and the belief in governance and in good and strong institutions. A development problem from my understanding therefore is an underlying issue that hinders the aforementioned.

Crime in St.Vincent & the GrenadinesIn the developing country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), the presence of criminal activities is slowly becoming prevalent especially with our youths.In an interview with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in SVG Frankie Joseph, he indicated that there was a steady decline in overall crime from 9342 in 2011 to 7490 in 2012, then 6743 in 2013;

Homicides Registered homicides however, has been on the rise with 21 in 2011, 28 in 2012, 24 in 2013 and 34 in 2014.

Fire arms were used in 25 of the 34 homicides in 2014 and 10 of those shootings were gang related and 12 drug related.

Obstacles It is imperative for the Government and Official Aid providers to get involved by providing financial assistance towards solutions to combat this issue since criminal activities within SVG is detrimental to Tourism. This can have a negative effect on the countrys Domestic Resource Mobilization and as a result hinders the countrys progress towards robust growth and development. This in fact has adverse implications for the Countrys Gross Domestic Product. They can be eradicated but there are a few known obstacles in the way such as: Poverty- Persons are unable to afford the basic necessities Unemployment- no job opportunities are available even in many cases where you are educated

Obstacles ContinuedLack of Education- The Educational Statistical Digest 2013 published by the Ministry of Education reports that between the years 2009 to 2013 there were 1531 drop-outs of which 235 were from the primary level and 1296 from the secondary levelThe Sustainable Development goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all being significantly compromised- Even in cases where persons are educated we see that our students and graduates are attracted to gang members especially the leaders since they are deemed to have the resources (Actual Cash) from illegal activities.Domestic Resource Mobilization not being efficiently utilized into facilities to house dropouts or into programs catering for these youths.

Development SolutionsHow can we as a nation overcome these obstacles in order to exterminate criminal activities and gangs all together, in achieving the sustainable goal of promoting a peaceful and inclusive society for sustainable development with accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels?

Development solutions continuedWe target firstly The Government; who is advised by the OECD and the DAC. In using the lessons learnt from the MDGs and in embracing the SDGs, the government can allocate funds from the countrys Domestic Resource Mobilization and Official Development Assistance allocation which Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala indicated in The role of ODA as a catalytic source of finance, into the following:Poverty Reduction-Wealth should be evenly distributedInfrastructure-Resource Centers can be built to facilitate At risk youths.

Development solutions continuedContinued Education-Within this structure the government, partnering with the Ministry of National Mobilization and key persons within the society can implement Aggressive ProgramsSuch programs can include:Counseling- They can be guided on coping with pressures or traumas at home that lead to them dropping out of school and forming street gangs.Mentoring Positive role models within the community can be identified to mentor youths. Not only will this bring the project closer to the community, it will also provide youths with hope and discourage them from joining gangs.

Development solutions continuedConflict Resolution and Mediation - in partnering with National Commission on Crime Prevention, the youths can learn ways to settle arguments and disputes productively rather than by fighting or running away.Involvement in Extracurricular Activities- Participants can get involve in sporting activities or be taught to play an instrument (The Pan Against Crime Program)Trained in the basic Life skills needed to be marketable; for example computer literacy, basic Financial Management, Speech, Presentations, and Business Etiquette. This project is an enabler for these youths to be equipped for the job world.

Development solutions continuedJob placement through apprenticeship-After all the rehabilitation programs and training necessary is provided, ensure job opportunities even at a temporary level where they can at least earn a stipend and then be evaluated to secure a permanent placement.Police Patrol Vehicles - The Government must ensure that a fraction ODA along with other funds be allocated to policing the streets in an efficient effective manner to prevent new gang alliances from forming.

Conclusion Criminal activities especially among juveniles is deteriorating the chance of SVGs quest in achieving the status of a Developed Country. The Onus is on us as a people in collaboration with the government to ensure that our youths feel a sense of belongingness, is shown a vision, given hope, and all the opportunities necessary to succeed; in turn, building safe, strong communities which through the SDGs would promote, peace, access to justice, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, with accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Bibliography The Role of Official Development Assistance with Ngozi Okonjo-IwealaWhat is Financing Development with Susan McAdamswww.guamcc.eduwww.theguardian.comwww.mass.govwww.newsone.comwww.troopers.ny.govwww.usaid.govwww.un.org

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