Reprisals running rampant
Downtown businesses and business owners say they are living in a constant state of fear from the ruthless killings happening more and more frequently in Port of Spain. Additionally, the Port of Spain Police Division announced that they were bracing for an increase in gang violence in the capital city as a result of reprisals among warring tuffs. This is becoming the norm and by no means acceptable. Imagine living in a constant state of fear daily with inadequate support from law enforcement.
The disbelief that this murderous rampage is continuing to haunt our country and to create statistical data that will never be forgotten for decades to come is insane. This is, regrettably, a very dark period in our nation’s history. It seems so jarring and seemingly nonsensical for effective crime fighting measures to be implemented during the carnival season, but these measures seem to disappear once the season is over. I mean, what message are we really sending to the younger generation. It’s almost as if the criminals are operating with impunity because they are rarely convicted of said crimes.
Additionally, the prevalence of gangs in the communities increases the likelihood of youth becoming involved in criminal activities, which not only jeopardizes their own futures but also perpetuates the cycle of violence for future generations.
Reprisal killings, which occur when one gang retaliates against another for previous acts of violence, further destabilize neighbourhoods and instill fear among residents. The constant threat of retaliation not only increases tensions within the community but also makes it difficult for residents to trust law enforcement or seek help when needed.
According to the President of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) Gregory Aboud, “Crime has been ongoing for a long time and criminals have a sense of defiance as they feel they can commit any crime and get away with it. They have that feeling as that is their experience but really should call to account for their crimes and that injustice is setting the scene for murderous behaviour.” In his interview with another Caribbean newspaper, he stated that criminals are committing multiple acts of violence, and ill-tempered victims feel the need to seek revenge as they feel betrayed by the justice system.
Consequently, reprisals often have a negative impact on neighbourhoods. As a result, communities become trapped in a cycle of violence, with residents feeling powerless to break free from the grip of gangs. This sense of insecurity drives away potential investors and businesses, perpetuating a cycle of economic decline and social decay.
Businesses operating in areas plagued by gang violence face numerous challenges, including theft, vandalism, and extortion. Gangs often demand “protection money” from business owners in exchange for ensuring their safety, effectively operating as a parasitic force that drains resources from the local economy that is already in moral decline.
Furthermore, the constant threat of violence deters customers from patronizing businesses in these areas, leading to decreased sales and further financial strain. As a result, many businesses are forced to either relocate or shut down entirely, further exacerbating the economic decline of the community.
Just look at the fatherless households in impoverished neighbourhoods. This is a real concern because father absence hinders development from early infancy through childhood and into adulthood. The psychological harm of father absence experienced during childhood persists throughout the life course and this is clearly evident in these communities. Increased efforts are needed to return fathers or keep them in the home to prevent a cascade of decay in the future.
If gang violence and reprisal killings continue, it will have devastating effects on both the economy and the social fabric of affected communities. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that includes targeted law enforcement efforts, community-based interventions, and investment in education and economic development. Only by addressing the root causes of gang violence can we hope to break the cycle of poverty and despair that grips so many neighbourhoods across the globe.
