An educator is urging the authorities to meet with the perpetrators of crime on the island to help more effectively tackle the problem, instead of holding meetings around the country talking about these perpetrators and their negative actions.
Education Officer Simeon Joseph made the appeal at a symposium on violence held by CariMan – the Caribbean Male Action Network, which describes itself as a community of caring men committed to partnering with women to create a just world where all people achieve their fullest potential.
“In recent times we are meeting around the country to look at crime and violence, I would like to politely suggest that instead of meeting to talk about the violent ones, we meet with the violent ones,” Joseph said, drawing applause from some of the participants at the symposium.
In what turned out to be a lengthy but well thought out feature address, he warned it could be argued that violence was being imposed on young men who were being turned away from jobs that they apply for.
“Our almost benign neglect of our youth, especially our males has begun to haunt us, and if immediate action is not taken now to correct the socialization of our young males, then we will see daily occurrences of the very things we fear the most,” the education officer said.
A former secondary school principal, Joseph suggested that the market for the illegal drug trade “has added ferocity to violence”.
He also argued that “cultural and ethnic rootlessness” was today making young Afro-Carib males “vulnerable to violence, drug addiction, alcoholism and other death-dealing habits”.
“I do not believe we are doing well with our young men,” Joseph said, urging that they be made a priority.
The public servant, in the presence of three government ministers and two leading opposition politicians, also warned that political systems promising but not delivering on those promises were contributing to the kind of situation that lent itself to promoting acts of violence.
“Violence is a consequence of dreams that have been denied, and that have been deferred and snuffed out,” he said.
Articulating a whole list of factors he said were impacting on an individual’s decision to engage in acts of violene, the education officer also blasted an education system he described as designed to prepare the “privileged few for a world that no longer exists”.
“Where we send out young people who are not functionally prepared for the positions that are available for them or into lower level positions,” he said citing the example of a student leaving the State College with appropriate qualifications having to end up packing bags at a supermarket.
The change begins with me.
As far as I know, leaders of Opposition parties were not invited to these meetings. The way I see it as someone rightly said is another labour party ‘strategy’ to give Dominicans the impression they are tackling crime and violence in the country. Is any record being taken of those meetings – if so, by whom? or is it just another talk shop to make people feel that something is being done. Dr Peter St. Jean held a national consultation on crime some years ago and the report of that consultation is gathering dust on a shelf somewhere. We continue to reinvent the wheel and like a seven day wonder that will die out and crime and violence will go on.
Simeon Joseph is calling for engagement with offenders – remember when Teyani Behanzin organised this in Wesley some time ago…. what has happened since? Just asking…
Hi Judith, I know you and your family. You will know me, if you see me. If such a meeting was called a few years ago and nothing has been done since, then, as a Dominican who is aware of it you should discuss it with St. Jean. Find out what are his plans to pursue it further.
In the case of this meeting, do likewise. Crimes affect every national. Therefore everyone should cooperate in fighting crimes. Encourage those who do. There should be no difference what Party they belong to. All should get together and discuss what strategy should be taken and applied to fight those crimes which also divide people of Dominica.
As an educator, the education system is not a male-friendly one! Research has shown that males are more technically inclined yet we donot have one fully fledged government owned technical vocational school on island. State College cannot accommodate everyone and the manner in which programmes are organized there are driving out the academically inclined!
Yes parents have thier role to play, so do the churches and other institutions however school is where minds are carved for lifetime careers. Untrained, uncaring and lassez-faire teachers can also help destroy the confidence of children particularly male students. They are easily labelled and stigmatized for every little mistake done.
People Violence and Crime is a developmental problem and we all need to play our part in reducing the level otherwise we all will suffer.
I salute Mr Joseph for his well thought out presentation. His suggestion to meet with the the violent ones is well taken. It is also moral support for the benevolent and humble ideas and functional way of addressing social ills by former magistrate Tiyani Behanzin. According to the Holy book, “think on these things” one and all including the leaders.
I think what Mr. Joseph has proposed is a good idea, but it might only target current perpetrators. I teach a group of youngsters who believe that killing their antagonists is the only solution. We cannot blame lack of jobs, because these kids have not yet known the frustration of not being able to find jobs; neither have they yet felt rejection by society, but they almost to a man, believe that violence is the answer to any problem they may encounter. This is not a joke or made up story. Therefore I believe that the whole framework of society needs to be reviewed and reoriented, otherwise we are heading for disaster in the near future.
Crime Buster Anonymous meeting in attendance is Jagger.
Jagger: Hello everyone my name is Jagger and I am a theif. I have been stealing for the past ten years.
Everyone: Hello Jagger.
Dr Benjie: Thank you for sharing!
Mr Joseph: Yes that’s it now we getting somewhere!
I had said the same thing on this same blog. We need to engage the perpetrators of crime. Find out what drove them to commit crime, What’s bugging them. What’s their life story.
Ron,
collectively we have established our own standards of morals,and can even justify what was once accepted as wrong doing and we are now paying the price.
Great idea! They should also have a meeting with those who are imprisoned. It would also be a good idea to speak to them, one on one, those who are arrested and who also served time.
Dominica is a small country and one which should be safe and peaceful. I am positive that this could be done. The types of crimes, the likes of which Dominicans did not experience in the past should not be taking place. Something went wrong why this is occurring in DA. I am not excluding other islands in the Caribbean.
Discipline commences in the home; then in school and church. Parents, schools – teachers and church should address this issue without being judgmental.
Some parents may not have the know-how to properly discipline their children. This is where the government, social service, school educators and church, all who are in certain authority come to their aid and assist them in this respect. They have an obligation to get together, communicate and cooperate with one another to try and solve this evil situation which exists in DA. Wherever we reside, this should make us all sad. Otherwise, some years down the road the situation will be worst. Now is the time and more than time for them to do something concrete about this.
There is a way of handling this situation without appearing too rigid and this is utilizing psychology.
In the meantime let us pray and continue to pray for the development of what Simeon Joseph stated and wish for. Please give him your cooperation. I have high hopes for Dominica. How I would love to hear and see Dominica a once more safe country and free of these types of criminal elements.
Those criminals need God in their lives just as much as every disciplinarian in Dominica, whatever their status. Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” I will add and can achieve nothing and nothing lasting. God first!
Mr. Simeon Joseph I wish you all the best in this endeavor. God bless you and your effort!
“… the public servant, in the presence of three government ministers and two leading opposition politicians also warned that political systems promising but not delivering on those promises were contributing to the kind of situation that lent itself to promoting acts of violence.”
In the face of that statement look at the front page of today’s Chronicle: MILLION DOLLAR MARIJUANA HAUL. Then look at the article to the left of it that is continued on page 1B. In that article Minister Timothy contends that our society is too small for a rehabilitation centre, and gives reasons for that. But the Labour Party manifesto did promise a rehabilitation centre.
That is an example of what Simeon Joseph is saying. However Government is doing the right thing in assisting Bonti Liverpool to relocate his rehabilitation programme. If it cannot at this time afford a full fledged rehabilitation centre at this time, efforts like Mr. Liverpool’s which has demonstrated success must be assisted, since there is a pressing need for a rehabilitation centre on the island. Crime and violence is directly linked to the use of drugs.
Agreed! If we do the same old things, we should expect the same results. We are needing a change for the better, therefore we must try something new or different.
i remember leaving D.S.C and had to pack meat in the back of one of the leading supermarkets in Roseau… honestly i was crushed… i didn’t even spend a month… this is emberassing… i took my chances out there instead… the thing is many youths who graduate college have to resort to doing menial jobs… where all the learning microsoft office goes to… when will i put my knowledge of excel and publisher to good use…. when will i apply the business skills i learned in college… i already know that all the algebra that caused me to fail maths was a waste of time… some of us are self motivated and will rise… but the majority is never this way and thus many young and promising young people fall by the wayside
But that was tried by the Behanzi Magistrate at Wesley. That is his idea.
Why do we keep our suggestions to ourselves when we are in a group discussioning after the meeting we say things for name sake – our it is my idea so no one will get it. We should work as a team at all times. We are all part of the system aiming for the same results.
Well as you say like Professor Carl Stone going around is a good thing then.
When i looked at the charade going on in certain villages under the guise of trying to tackle the crime problem, i always asked myself just ‘Why there are not ONE or TWO criminals with them explaining to the people what they have done and expressing their regret, while at the same time discouraging criminals to be, from falling into that trap in which they got ensnared.’
I see the whole thing as a political meeting moving around the country.’ A campaign’. For example just why i can’t see the face of an opposition parliamentarian at these meetings. Have they been asked and they have refused? Hon John or Hon James, Mrs Paestina, Were you all invited? Did you all accept or decline the invitation? I would like to know. Are the criminals to be, who are supposed to hear the message present at the meetings? Was that thing properly planned? So it would been better to have these meetings in the areas where the criminals frequent then?
I am just asking these questions, because in 2012, i am of the opinion that we are politicising crime, and if this is really what is going on, i am sorry for this speck of dust called Dominica, because we are just not ready yet.
no one wants to hear the stories of those who are involved in the crime life….how can you people seek to remedy something and you have no idea of how it proliferates??????????? god DNO makes me so angry sometimes..
jus give medication without proper diagnosis and think anything will change, you just might make it worse
If i know my brother very well ,he is that kind of person thats why many people do not like us because we are that very outspoken , i do remember very well when he was principal of the DGS even some of the Teachers would report him to the Ministry because of his stance on certain things he would not condone ,and if he was receiving support from the authorities ,there would not be any student at DGS that would look at a Teacher and want to fight them ,as one of the comments stated i know he will get some blows for that but he is that kind of individual and the same goes with the rest of the family .
But he has raised some eyebrows.
Well said my younger brother.
@ Your Bigger Brother
He is to be commended for speaking out. It is always the case when people take a stand for the better, there are those who will not appreciate it. Stand up and be counted, we must. We have an obligation, first to God and then to society, to speak up and take action for the better and if we wish for a better and safe society.
Many a times our youth, especially the males, are influenced due to a lack of support system and also parents not playing enough of a role in their lives. I salute the education officer by encouraging the authorities to meet with the perpertrators of crime. Too often our youths are hurting and we don’t know how to meet their needs. There should be classes or extra-curricular activities in place for those who may feel that they are a failure to society so that they could improve themselves and contribute to life.
We need to deal with the root of the problem and not go around it. I trust that Mr. Joseph will get the support in order to assist our youth.
THAT’S REWARDING CRIMINALS INSTEAD OF PUNISHING THEM VIGOROUSLY.
You can’t fix a problem if you don’t know its roots. Think about it. Punishing is only a part of it.
I don’t believe in negotiating with hoodlums and the other young undesirables.
What are you going to tell them? ‘Please sirs, would you please not break into our homes or mug the visiting tourist’
If you transfer a baker to anywhere, the first job he /she is going to seek is the baking business.
If you transfer a criminal anywhere, the first job he /she is going to seek is the crime business!
They both will migrate to what they know and will try to be comfortable in what they do best!
it is clear from your comment, that there is NO HOPE in the world, and if hope is dead, then its all over….. are you saying I should go back to the block and sell rock?>???? it was a hell of a lot easier than the job I have now….
people like you are failing us, by spreading your hopeless message….maybe we are really trying to cultivate people like me…so we can say look $5000 dollars go and shoot mister.. he selling out the business. I too was a mindless thug, I know the life and I left it. DO YOU WANT ME TO GO BACK?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
JAH CURE LIE WHEN HE SAY NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE??????????????? YOU PEOPLE CREATE THE ENVIRONMENT FOR HATEEEEEEEEEEEEEE…. BUT DNO WILL NOT LET ME GET THE POINT ACROSSS…THEY RATHER STIFLE ME
@ VIVA 1979
Congratulations! Good luck for your future endeavors. Pay no mind to those negative people as Anonymous. This is all this person is worth, projecting as goody two shoes with no substance behind it. Some of them like to complain and bring people down rather than elevate them and offer them hope. They are the hopeless cases who do not want what is good for themselves, for the country and nationals in general.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “For God nothing is impossible. For human beings everything is impossible.” I like to say, the latter has their type. I detest the attitude of negative people.
@ Anonymous
Whenever some people suggest a viable option, there are always those who are negative and will criticize them and dampen their spirits. Some of you are too discouraging. You need to change your attitude.
Who is negotiating with criminals? Since DA is a small country I do not see why the authorities could not meet with them. The criminals may have a story of their own pertaining to what drove them to commit crimes and other pertinent information they wish to divulge. It is their prerogative to meet with them or not. However, I view it as a wise step in the right direction towards eliminating crimes and hopefully rehabilitate criminals to become useful nationals for their future benefit and that of DA and other nationals. It will contribute to safety, peace and unity.
Ha! Social experimenting! Holding conclave with the criminals and antisocial! Frankly, this is thinking way out of the box and Simeon may get his “blows” for being forever candid but, frankly again, the status quo has not worked and thinking way-out-of-the-box may be the only reasonable option for us now. I fully endorce Simeon’s view to meet with the “troublemakers” and give them a chance to feel and understand that the nation is seeking their assistance to right the wrongs. Only the perpetrators truly know their gut feelings and only they know the drivers behind their behaviour. When the late Professor Carl Stone of UWI wanted to know why Jamaicans behaved a certain way, he took to the streets and spoke to those who behaved the certain way. His report is now consulted the world over.
@ Hot shot
If you are so Hot Shot, you should know that it is worth a try. I reside in a Country/City which has many criminals due to the population. With the help of some groups as also pastors, some criminals, our very own black people/men have been rehabilitated from crimes and drugs. It could be done in DA. The right approach is necessary.
A life of crime does not pay. I visualize that it does not make a person happy and peaceful. As criminals, they will never achieve those godly virtues. Nationals must help and also encourage others who wish to eliminate crimes, specifically the type of crimes in DA and assist those young people to become worthy nationals. You should know the saying, “Nothing beats a failure but a trial” and “If at first you do not succeed, try again.”
It is stated that when we die God will not ask us if we succeeded but if we tried.
We have an obligation to every one, to make our environment a loving, happy, safe and peaceful one. This is how we should live our lives. Otherwise why is it worth living and what is it worth living for? Everyone deserves a second chance. God gives us many chances why not try to do so for those who fell between the cracks and give them hope for a better life?
so u expect a criminal to come to meetig like that and let everyone know that he is a criminal some people does not think yuh is us locals that need to start talkgin to the police about things that happenign cause we know who does be commiting them crimes yet we have a stupid notion about talkign to the cops and snitching we have to learn that so called bad man is them that messign up the country and help the police do there jobs
YOu are not thinking. You are in a box. You need to think outside the box. This does not have to be publicly. And this research can be done at our prison where their lie up eating out tax dollars.
They will speak, we need to at least give them an opportunity.
Dont understand why we are against trying new things.
If you do the same old things, expect the same results.
@ LOL
St. Paul said, “Whatever you do, do it with love.” This is how you will win them and also by speaking the truth and without watering down the truth. Our God is a God of love and He expects us to act accordingly. An agenda needs to be prepared prior to meeting with them. I do hope this transpires.
@ ME
It is left to them. If they served time and may no longer be considered a criminal. They could come incognito and offer their views. At such meetings everyone should be welcome on condition that while at the meeting they keep the peace and contribute to same.
If you reside in a big country, there are some people who wish to be rehabilitated and do not feel apprehensive in others knowing them and finding out about them. This is part of the rehabilitation process. They provide their testimony. When they are rehabilitated, due to their past experience some of them travel around the City/Country and lecture to others as they try to influence them to turn their lives around. Some of them also go to schools to speak to the children.
I endorse the suggestion to meet with criminals. Going to the prison as well would be a good idea. Some people would like to change but they have no one to help them. Therefore, those who have that vision should pursue it and deserve encouragement and cooperation from nationals.
Many complain of what is occurring in DA and yet criticize the suggestion of Mr. Simeon Joseph instead of saying “Let us give it a try”.
You want a better society or a worst one? If something is not done and soon enough, as the years progress, the situation will become worst and will be out of control. It will not benefit Dominica or its economy.
Well said Mr. Joseph, i agree whole-heartedly with what you said. The systems, be it Government, Schools, Church, Society, THE FAMILY, need to cater for our youths, where are our fathers? We are those who are suppose to keep the family upright and going? We are indeed dealing with a broad issue.
As expected he’s focussed on the “young men” i see what you did there.
Your comment is so off,here we have somebody trying something different,and you are straying from the issue at hand? Do you have a problem with him targeting the young men?Are you blind? Can you not see that it is the young men of this country getting themselves in all that trouble.Make your point,i have an answer waiting.I hope you see Simeon Joseph has never been in trouble with the law.Start making a positive contribution to topics/statements and brighten up.
@ Calibishie
From what I have heard and read it is generally the young men who are causing these problems in DA. Check out their age.
Why the Gov’t does not focus on building after school facilities that will keep young men and women of the streets. Keep them engaged in positive programs. That idleness and massive umemployment will always create unrest. Focus on the root not the branches!
boy … there is more I want to say, but I will let sleeping dogs lay….. check yourself sir. You intentions are well spoken and noble. but get off that high horse you ride. and put your HEART into what you speak of…
I would be willing to be involved in any initiative towards this, being a former unmentionable myself, I think my contribution can prove valuable to the cause, But be warned I am a no nonsence hot pepper and wont hesitate to unearth any insincerity.
We don’t stoop to thugs levels. Why should we befriend criminals? We make them feel that we are scared of them and that we love what they are doing in society. These guys need to be punished to the fullest with no mercy. A thug will always be a thug. Therefore, for those who commit wilful murder, they should be sentenced to death by hanging with no delay.
@ DE CARIBBEAN CHANGE
We are not disputing this. Keep in mind what Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “I did not come for the righteous but for the sinners.” God wants a change of hearts. He wants a better and happy world of people. He wants what is good for us. Therefore, if Mr. Simeon Joseph sees a vision of change know that it is an inspiration from God even though he may not be aware of it. He needs all the support he can get from DA nationals who are affected (all are affected) by the rash of crimes and some vicious ones.
Straight to the point.Short and sweet.An intelligent individual.End of story.
THERE ARE NO HARDENED CRIMINALS IN DOMINICA . I DO NOT CONDONE ANY FORM OF CRIME BUT WE MUST ACCEPT THAT THE RICH GETS RICHER AWHILE THE POOR GETS POORER . SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR THE THE YOUTHS TO FEEL AND SEE THAT SOMETHING IS DONE SO THAT EVERY ONE CAN EAT A PROPER MEAL EVERY DAY.
POVERTY CAN MAKE ANY DOCILE MAN BECOME VIOLENT,THEN WHAT HAPPENS NEXT HE FIGHTS FOR HIS CORNER…IN ORDER TO SURVIVE.
everyone wants to deny this infallible TRUTH. but their denial will not solve the problem, In fact it will only make it worse.
You are a fool….
I do agree that we are not doing well with our young men. First of all they are not taught how to grow up. In many homes, manners and etiquette are not taught anymore. It is not taught in the schools either. Where then will the young people learn the rules of living. Where will they learn how to respect themselves and how to respect others.
life is an art. we must learn the rules of life and apply them in daily living. We have forgotten these rules, so we have lawlessness. We think of freedom, but freedom begins with oneself.
Only a restless mind can be violent. A calm, collected, and peaceful mind cannot rise in violence. When one feels calm within, one will always find ways of solving one’s problems in a peaceful way.
If we culture a peaceful, creative state of mind in our young people, they will be creative and productive, not violent. There are techniques which cultivate peace of mind. There are different types of meditations which can actually cultivate this state of mind and Dominicans may do better if they research these and see the benefits. Transcendental Meditation in fact has been extensively researched, and the results are available for all to check. The youth needs to experience inner peace to unfold their mental potential and let their creativity flow. In that way, most people will be able to create employment for themselves and others and not just wait for the government to do so for them. The country will be much better off, if the people are experiencing that level of inner peace and creativity that productivity depends on.
Something need to be done, Something need to be done,Something need to be done! I’m tired of hearing that same tired phrase over and over again. Suggest what need to be done instead of that stupid catch-all “something”! You all always full of ideas but no follow-through.
@ C.B.
There are no hardened criminals in DA? You are joking. How many years they must commit crimes to be considered hardened criminals?
Those who rob for exorbitant sums of money, 6 digit numbers and more; even less and with guns are not hardened criminals? Those who rape and young teenage girls, keep going after tourists, robbing them, kidnap people, hide them somewhere or probably murder them are not hardened criminals? If they are not considered such then they should be placed in that category.
Good people do not commit crimes. Petty criminals steal a small amount of money and you know, as a few figs – bananas for a meal. Surely you do not place the latter as same as the actions of those mentioned previously.
Well said ,you hit the nail on the head.I just hope that our polititians,teachers,parents and the sinors of our sociaty is listening.Lets tackle the cause not the symtom.
Well said!!
i do agree. many times those meetings are held, yet the ones we are trying to reach are never there.what sense does that make. we need to face the problem and in this case the ones committing the crimes as mr. joseph rightly said
Educator
Why is it that dangerous people always write stuff about how other people are dangerous when obviously they perform the same tasks? I never understood it.