Violence and Youth:A Diagnosis of 4 Jamaican Communities

Julie Meeks GardnerCaribbean Child Development Centre

VII Conferencia Internacional de la Red Latinoamerica y del CaribeNovember 18-20, 2010

The Caribbean

Background Jamaica• Very high violence• Historical context• International trade

in drugs & weapons• Politically related

violence

World Bank Study

Overall Goal• To examine individual and community level

strategies associated with reduction in crime and violence

Specific Objectives (this presentation)• Community level strategies

Methodology

• Case studies of 4 communities with consistent, declining crime & violence– Detailed review of records and reports– Community visits– Key informant interviews– “Gatekeeper” approval

Location of communities

FLANKER

FLETCHER’S LANDDUNKIRKWHITFIELD TOWN

Community Profiles 1.

DemographicsFlanker Fletcher’s

LandDunkirk Whitfield

TownPopulation 10,000 3,290 5,982 13,690

Av. Household Size 3.8 3.5 3.1 3.7Housing conditionVery GoodGoodFairPoor/ Very Poor

21%51%25%3%

1%19%44%36%

21%28%31%16%

9%15%45%23%

Land TenureOwn/Family ownsRent/LeaseCapture Don’t Know/ No response

57%14%29%<1%

54%28%1%

17%

29%40%

-7%

49%38%5%8%

Community Profiles 2.Demographics Flanker Fletcher’s

LandDunkirk Whitfield

TownWater SourcePublic pipe into yardPublic pipe into homePrivate pipe into homePublic catchment

15%82%2%

<1%

42%39%18%3%

34%61%11%0.2%

44%53%8%0%

Type of Toilet FacilityWC linked to sewerWC not linked to sewerPit latrineSoak away

21%53%9%

18%

93%6%----

97.8%0.6%0%0%

47.8%35.1%3.8%

15.1%Garbage DisposalPick up by truckCommunity receptacleDump nearbyBurn

67%<1%<1%30%

79%20%1%--

97%2.6%3%

5.6%

97.8%0%

0.5%3.8%

Case 1: Flanker

Flanker: crime reduction

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011121314151617181920

Serious crimes by month

Serious crimes by month

2005 2007

Flanker: Major assistance partners

• Governmental– Inner City Basic Service– Jamaica Social Investment Fund– Citizen’s Security & Justice Programme

• NGO– Peace Management Initiative– Dispute Resolution Foundation

• Private Sector– Sandals Ltd.

• Other– Churches and affiliates– American Chamber of Commerce

Flanker: Social Asset Development2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Adult Remedial and CXC Classes

Sandals Training and Recruitment Tier (START)

Performance and Creative Art Group

Peace Management Initiative input (PMI)

School Suspension Program

HEART Trust/NTA Skills Training Program

Youth Sanctuary

Youth Sports Programme

Cyber Centre Flanker Mobile Reserve Unit

Best Community

Parenting Programme

Marching Band

Senior Citizen’s Club

Lunch Money Programme

Life Skills Programme

Michael Manley Award

Youth Crime Watch of Flanker

Mediation Programme

Marilyn Nash Scholarship

Read-A-Thon

Sports Programme

Gang Intervention Programme

Flanker: Social Asset Development2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Adult Remedial & High school exam classes

Sandals Training and Recruitment Tier (START)

Performance and Creative Art Group

Peace Management Initiative input (PMI)

School Suspension Program

HEART Trust/NTA Skills Training Program

Youth Sanctuary

Youth Sports Programme

Cyber Centre Flanker Mobile Reserve Unit

Best Community

Parenting Programme

Marching Band

Senior Citizen’s Club

Lunch Money Programme

Life Skills Programme

Michael Manley Award

Youth Crime Watch of Flanker

Mediation Programme

Marilyn Nash Scholarship

Read-A-Thon

Sports Programme

Gang Intervention Programme

Flanker: Physical infrastructural development

• Zinc Fence Removal Project• Main Road Construction in Red Dirt Area• Major Drain Construction• Post flood road cleaning• Multi-purpose Skills Training Centre

Flanker: Other activities• Peace and Justice Centre• Parenting and Family Strengthening• Private investment

– Providence Heights Housing Scheme– Faith Baptist Church/ Faith Assembly of God– Tour companies (JUTA/JCAL)– McKenzie’s Auto– Warren’s Hardware

• Coordinated responses to ongoing conflicts

Case 2: Fletcher’s Land

• Infrastructural development• Projects & Programmes focusing on

developing social resources – including Rise Life Management

• Social and private investments – including scholarships

• Noted by residents:– Cohesion band– Weekly dances

Case 3: Dunkirk

• Infrastructural development• Increased access to economic & social

resources, including:– Skills, vocational training– Youth education & recreation programs– Family support programs– Homework programme– Summer camp– Conflict resolution training for youth

• Infrastructural– Family support programs– Trade training

Summary 1/3

• Large inputs into all 4 communities were related in time to reduction in crime & violence: – Internal reorganization and investment– Governmental– Private sector– International partners– Churches and other civic groups

• Physical environments improved• Increased access to economic & social

resources• Greater confidence in state provision of

security & justice• Reduced conflicts• Strengthened family systems and attention

to children and youth

Summary 2/3

• Inputs focusing on children, youth and rights issues highlighted

• Sustainability of projects & programs in question

• Coordinated inputs have clear benefits in reduced violence and crime

Summary 3/3

Acknowledgements

• Nancy Guerra, Kirk , Ian Walker• Lisa Stone, Kelston Cort• Peace Management Initiative• Joan Thomas• Marva Campbell• World Bank