A new study on young offenders on remand at Dodds Prison has painted a troubling picture of how early exposure to violence, substance abuse, family instability, and weak school engagement are fuelling Barbados’ youth crime problem.
Senior Research Officer at the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit (CJRPU), Kirt Goodridge, yesterday revealed the findings during a workshop at the Courtyard by Marriott.
He said the study, which examined 47 inmates aged 16 to 25, showed a combination of factors has been propelling young men toward violent offending from as early as primary school.
“These young men are not simply waking up one day and committing crimes. There are risk factors that lead to this outcome, and we can see them early on; it’s about recognising and intervening before they escalate,” Goodridge said.
Serious offences
According to the research, 98 per cent of the cohort were male, with the majority aged between 19 and 25. They had been on remand an average of five years, mostly for serious offences – 53 per cent for murder, 28 per cent for firearm possession, and nine per cent for robbery. More than two-thirds had prior convictions, with 40 per cent previously incarcerated and 68 per cent arrested before. The average age of first conviction was 18, though many had come into contact with the juvenile justice system earlier.
“Fifteen of the inmates exhibited deviant behaviour before the age of 11,” Goodridge said, explaining that many had passed through the Government Industrial School or Juvenile Liaison Scheme before graduating to more serious offences.
Drug use
Drug use was almost universal among the group. Eighty-nine per cent used marijuana, often daily, starting as early as nine years old.
Alcohol use was also common, with 64 per cent admitting to regular drinking from around age 16. Smaller numbers reported using molly (17 per cent), cocaine (9 per cent), and ecstasy (4 per cent).
“These early habits normalise substance use and lower impulse control, making violent or risky behaviour more likely. Many were introduced to drugs by friends, which shows the strength of peer influence,” he added.
The findings also linked school exclusion to later criminality. A staggering 83 per cent of inmates did not complete secondary school, most leaving around
age 15, many after repeated suspensions for fighting.
Thirty per cent were expelled outright, while others dropped out or were superannuated. Six schools accounted for the majority of attendees – St George Secondary, Parkinson Memorial, Princess Margaret Secondary, Frederick Smith Secondary, St Leonard’s Boys’, and Graydon Sealy Secondary. “Suspension and expulsion for fighting are early signs. If these are not addressed, it escalates from fists to rocks to knives and eventually guns,” the Goodridge noted.
Employment outcomes reflected this disruption. Fortyfive per cent held unskilled jobs such as construction labourers, 19 per cent were unemployed, and only 10 per cent had at least one CXC certificate. “These are young men entering precarious, low-paying work, often frustrated and unable to sustain themselves, which increases vulnerability to crime,” he said.
The report underscored that 66 per cent were raised by female caregivers, primarily mothers or grandmothers, with limited father involvement. While most reported their mothers as present, 30 per cent said their fathers were absent altogether. Over half of the inmates had at least one incarcerated family member, with many fathers, brothers, or uncles previously jailed for violent crimes such as murder and firearm offences.
“Many grew up seeing relatives use violence to solve disputes. That normalises violence as a way of resolving conflict,” Goodridge said. Even in communities described as “peaceful,” 63 per cent of inmates reported witnessing violence, including shootings and murders. He warned that focusing solely on punishment would not solve the problem. “We must change the culture that glorifies imprisonment and gang life. Teachers, parents, and communities can all spot the signs early.
What we need are systems in place to respond before another young man ends up behind bars,” he said.
( CLM)
The post Study on offenders paints ‘troubling picture’ appeared first on nationnews.com.