Caribbean Crime and Violence: Using Jamaica As a Case Study

There is much that the Caribbean isles have in common. Apart from sharing a similar geo-political landscape, the history and socio-economic evolution of Caribbean states have proceeded along a similar trajectory. Consequently, the concerns of one island of the Caribbean may be juxtaposed with that of any of the other islands without discerning any real difference. One of the chief concerns of the region is crime. The storm of violence continues to wreak havoc on the Caribbean landscape, the rising tide threatening to engulf the region. There are several theories positing an explanation for the rising tide of current crime and violence. Although each theory has its value, theories of crime should be interpreted within the wider framework of the historical and cultural content. Every country in the region has been experiencing an upsurge in criminal behaviour in recent times. Even oil-rich Trinidad is facing increasing problems with crime and violence. The main perpetrators are among the male youth population..