Contributing Author Dickson Igwe
The problem in the BVI is that we have a generation of wannabe gangsters who do not fully appreciate the destructive Modus of the gang. He said that gangs evolved quickly, and went from one stage in the cycle to another in a matter of 4 weeks: a deadly evolution, from embryo to a destructive social subset that has been well observed and documented. He also described how nationally, that gangs were evolving every minute or so in the United States.
Campbell stated that it was critical that the legal and education establishment, and the police, understand the graffiti, nomenclature, language, colours, and clothing of the various gangs. He also described how gangs were engaged in criminal activity and had their own very specific mode of operation. Gangs are very territorial, and jealous of turf; geographic control of various vicinities is important to the system and culture of gangs.
Campbell described how gangs are seen by potential members and actual members as another type of family. Consequently, children and youth who are from dysfunctional homes, especially those without a father figure are especially susceptible to the gang culture. The gangster provides the fatherless male with a role model that he may find appealing, but will eventually destroy him. The gang may also be viewed as an alternative to school and regular work, and a way of making money, even though gang avenues to commerce are frequently illegal.
Gang Symbol...
In the BVI, gangs are at the embryonic stage, and consequently this evolving culture must be tackled and removed before it becomes a social menace. Bear in mind that there were 66 homicides in the USVI in 2010 of which half were gang related.
Campbell advised that one way of controlling gangs is to have a full sports programme in the community in which all youth are involved: youth have got to exert energy. ‘’So have controlled youth events, such as ROTC, cheerleading, boxing, wrestling and etcetera; training is the key, but there must be security as well as fun in the process: all work and no play make Jack a dull boy.’’ Campbell stated.
‘’Set up boys groups and girls groups: the Cadet Corp for example is an excellent idea. Replace graffiti with murals drawn by the artistically gifted, and those students that repeat should be especially monitored. Provide positive and engaged role models, because many of our young do not have a male figure in the home and lack loving relationships.’’
Campbell exhorted that ‘’ Common sense is critical when dealing with gangs. Remember that most of the information about gangs will come from gang members, so engage them, and let them speak their mind, get them on the same page, and show them respect. That is how to get inside their minds. Bear in mind that gangs are always evolving and creating new hybrids. The communal walls speak loads, and the rule with regards to graffiti is the 3rs according to Campbell: ‘’read it, record it, and then remove it. Gangs are very territorial and graffiti is the ‘marking of their spot.’ ‘’
Finally the ‘Tsar’ warned that ‘’ the gang problem in the USVI is a boat ride away from the BVI. The familial connections between the two territories mean that the BVI is just 5 years behind the USVI in terms of the development of the gang culture.
In the USVI, the rate of juvenile delinquency is on the increase, and out of 66 homicides committed in 2010, half were gang related. The USVI was number 2 for murders in the world, juvenile delinquency, and sexually transmitted diseases. The BVI cannot afford a gang culture copied from her US neighbour. ‘’
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