Jamaica Shows Grim Outlook on Crime and Employment- Study

A study done by the Commonwealth secretariat has shown Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean region having a grim outlook when it comes to issues of crime and youth employment.

The study which was obtained by The Gleaner highlighted that by 2050, Jamaica's homicide rate could jump as high as 100 persons per 100,000. It further stated that there is a casual attitude towards such issues, and in order for there to be any changes, aspects of development must be treated urgently.

"Under this 'business as usual' scenario, crime and disorder are expected to rise in the region. The research done shows that in Jamaica as well as Trinidad and Tobago, the rate of homicides per 100,000 is projected to rise to alarming rates," the report stated.

IMPROVE COMPETITIVENESS

"This trend, however, is not limited to these countries. By 2050, the smaller states of the Eastern Caribbean are also projected to have rates to those currently being reported in Jamaica.

"Based on the socio-economic projections highlighted the resilience of most Caribbean countries is likely to fall over the period under analysis. Most countries in the Caribbean are expected to experience a reduction in the resilience index, par

ticularly Jamaica, due to rising debt and deteriorating socio-economic conditions, with the added implication of increasing their susceptibility to external shocks, lengthening their recovery period."

The research went on to suggest that priority should be placed on enhancing skills training for youths in order to improve competitiveness.

"Given the trends highlighted for crime in the baseline scenario, the study also considered a policy scenario aimed at enhancing the skills of the young people in the region and providing job opportunities."