Youth crime poverty link

I contend that idle youths are a symptom and not the cause of our social ills. There was a study done in Cleveland in the US in 2016 that showed a link between youth violence and unemployment.

From the 1970s, TT started to experience social upheaval and the underlying problems were never addressed.

The economic and governmental systems have produced a lot of poverty and crime.

TT was blessed with an abundant supply of oil. The people should have been living well.

But there are less and less people in TT enjoying a quality life.

The system has offered very little support for the disadvantaged.

Logically, a parallel economy was created because human beings are designed to survive.

One reason TT has not had a civil war is because people can survive using the informal economy. This economy produces crime and indiscipline.

If a more inclusive economic/social system is not implemented, more destructive youths will be born.

The statistics on violent crime and poverty suggest there is some correlation.

The authorities must make sure every citizen has a living wage and the other social problems will be mitigated.

It seems utopian but it is pragmatic. The data is there to support this.

You reap what you sow.

BRIAN ELLIS PLUMMER via email