Jamaican gang violence
Jamaica and its Continuing Problem with Violence and Gangs
Tara Usko
Caribbean History
Dr. Jowers
To an outsider sandy beaches, deep blue water, all inclusive resorts, and relaxing vacations are all synonymous with the Caribbean island of Jamaica. However, past all the natural beauty and enchantment of the island the residents there are faced with a very heavy and deadly burden. Approximately 112 miles from the ideal vacations resorts rest Jamaica 's capital, Kingston, one of the most homicidal ridden cities in the world, also known as a murder capital. Per capita Kingston has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world. These astronomical rates may be a result of several factors including poverty, retribution, drugs, politics, and most certainly the heavy presence of gangs. With approximately 268 total gang on the small island country the area has been traumatized by turf wars between feuding groups for years, and shows little to no sign of desuetude.1 Due tot he monumental amount of crime that is housed within the city of Kingston it has been rated as being in a “critical” state by the US Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and rightly so. In 2012 alone there were 1,083 murders, 1,218 shootings, 763 carnal abuse, 833 rapes, 2,679 robberies, 3,094 break-ins, and 691 larceny cases recorded.2 Within the last year and a half murder rates have not seen any decrease even as officials police force is being increased. In 2013 the number of murders increased to a whopping 1,200.3 Violence with in the country is concentrated in the inner city. It is typically categorized as “Jamaican on Jamaican” violence that often shows characteristics of being organized and gang related. In addition to violent crimes these inner city communities face many other challenges. The geographic areas that are prone to the most violence are greatly deprived communities that suffer from underemployment, poor access to health and education
Tara Usko
Caribbean History
Dr. Jowers
To an outsider sandy beaches, deep blue water, all inclusive resorts, and relaxing vacations are all synonymous with the Caribbean island of Jamaica. However, past all the natural beauty and enchantment of the island the residents there are faced with a very heavy and deadly burden. Approximately 112 miles from the ideal vacations resorts rest Jamaica 's capital, Kingston, one of the most homicidal ridden cities in the world, also known as a murder capital. Per capita Kingston has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world. These astronomical rates may be a result of several factors including poverty, retribution, drugs, politics, and most certainly the heavy presence of gangs. With approximately 268 total gang on the small island country the area has been traumatized by turf wars between feuding groups for years, and shows little to no sign of desuetude.1 Due tot he monumental amount of crime that is housed within the city of Kingston it has been rated as being in a “critical” state by the US Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and rightly so. In 2012 alone there were 1,083 murders, 1,218 shootings, 763 carnal abuse, 833 rapes, 2,679 robberies, 3,094 break-ins, and 691 larceny cases recorded.2 Within the last year and a half murder rates have not seen any decrease even as officials police force is being increased. In 2013 the number of murders increased to a whopping 1,200.3 Violence with in the country is concentrated in the inner city. It is typically categorized as “Jamaican on Jamaican” violence that often shows characteristics of being organized and gang related. In addition to violent crimes these inner city communities face many other challenges. The geographic areas that are prone to the most violence are greatly deprived communities that suffer from underemployment, poor access to health and education
Bibliography: Kemp, Ross. “Ross Kemp on Gangs: Jamaica.” Documentary, Season 3, Episode 1. TVmuse. October 1, 2007. www.tvmuse.com/tv-shows/Ross-Kemp-on-Gangs-8940 National Geographic United States Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security. “Jamaica 2013 Crime and Safety Report”. OSAC. July 29, 2013. www.osac.gov/pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=14289 Walker, Karyl