As Trinidad and Tobago grapples with an unprecedented surge in violent crime, the devastating effects are being felt in communities across the nation. Families like that of Shakeem Charles, an Information Technology technician who was brutally murdered in July, continue to mourn their loved ones, with little closure as justice remains elusive.

With 624 homicides recorded in 2024, Trinidad and Tobago has faced its deadliest year on record, forcing the government to declare a state of emergency in an attempt to curb escalating violence. The crisis has been largely attributed to gang warfare, economic struggles, and weak intervention strategies that have allowed crime to become deeply embedded in certain communities.

This tragic situation serves as a cautionary tale for Guyana as the country undergoes rapid development. With an expanding economy driven by oil wealth, Guyana must take proactive measures to prevent crime from escalating to similar levels, ensuring that economic growth benefits all and does not leave marginalized communities vulnerable to criminal networks.

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Understanding the Root Causes of Crime

Trinidad’s crime wave is not an overnight development. It has been fueled by economic inequality, lack of job opportunities, gang influence, and systemic failures in the justice system. Many young people, particularly in high-risk areas, see crime as their only option due to a lack of legitimate pathways to success.

What Guyana Can Learn:

1. Invest in Youth Development Programs – Crime often thrives where young people feel neglected. Guyana must establish and fund youth mentorship, apprenticeship programs, and technical training initiatives to steer at-risk youth away from crime.
2. Strengthen Education and Community Outreach – Schools and community centers should be actively involved in crime prevention, promoting education, skill development, and structured extracurricular activities.
3. Enhance Parental and Family Support Systems – A strong emphasis on better parenting programs and mental health support can reduce the likelihood of young people turning to gangs.

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The Role of Gangs and How Guyana Can Prevent Their Growth

Much of Trinidad’s violent crime is linked to gang activity, where criminal organizations recruit vulnerable young men by offering them financial incentives and a sense of belonging.

In areas like Laventille, gang culture has become so normalized that many young people automatically follow in the footsteps of older criminals. While some resist the pull of crime, many find it difficult to escape once they are entangled in these networks.

Preventative Measures for Guyana:

1. Identify and Monitor High-Risk Communities – Law enforcement should closely track at-risk areas, offering intervention programs before gangs gain a stronghold.
2. Create Alternative Economic Opportunities – If young people have stable employment and career prospects, the appeal of criminal lifestyles will significantly decrease.
3. Increase Community Policing – A stronger police presence in vulnerable neighborhoods, combined with trust-building initiatives, can deter gang recruitment efforts.

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Short-Term Crime Control vs. Long-Term Solutions

Trinidad’s government has implemented a state of emergency to give law enforcement broader powers to arrest suspects and conduct searches without warrants. While this has led to a temporary reduction in violent crime, many experts warn that such measures only suppress violence rather than address its root causes.

Criminologists argue that a revamped justice system, social support programs, and economic reforms are necessary to create lasting change.

How Guyana Can Stay Ahead:

1. Strengthen the Judicial System – Ensure swift and fair trials for offenders to reduce backlogged cases and prevent repeat offenders from slipping through the system.
2. Modernize Crime Prevention Strategies – Invest in surveillance technology, forensic science, and data-driven policing to combat organized crime effectively.
3. Develop Rehabilitation Programs – Instead of only focusing on punishment, Guyana must implement rehabilitation and reintegration programs for former offenders to break the cycle of crime.

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Economic Growth Without Social Development Is Dangerous

One of the biggest concerns for Guyana as it develops is ensuring that economic prosperity is shared equitably. A booming oil and gas sector has attracted wealth, but if large segments of the population remain in poverty, crime could rise as economic disparity worsens.

Trinidad’s struggles show what happens when economic development does not trickle down to marginalized communities. Without targeted policies to distribute wealth through job creation, education, and public services, crime can thrive in the shadows of prosperity.

How Guyana Can Prevent This:

1. Ensure Inclusive Economic Growth – Prioritize job creation in all sectors, not just oil and gas, so that a broad section of society benefits from economic expansion.
2. Develop Infrastructure in Underserved Areas – Invest in better roads, schools, hospitals, and social services in low-income communities to prevent social decay.
3. Encourage Corporate Social Responsibility – Large companies, especially in the energy sector, should be required to contribute to community development projects, ensuring that local populations benefit from national wealth.

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Final Thoughts: Guyana’s Window to Act Is Now

Trinidad and Tobago’s rise in violent crime is a stark warning for Guyana. As the country experiences rapid development, policymakers must take a proactive approach to crime prevention before criminal networks take root.

The current economic boom presents an opportunity to build a strong, safe, and prosperous society—but only if investments are made in education, youth programs, law enforcement, and economic inclusivity.

If Guyana can learn from Trinidad’s mistakes and take decisive action now, the country can avoid falling into the same cycle of violence, ensuring that growth translates into a safer, more stable future for all citizens.