Gangs and Sexual Violence in Trinidad

Haiti is not the only Caribbean nation where gangs are generating unrest and destruction. Trinidad and Tobago is also experiencing gang-induced unrest (Reuters, December 30, 2024). On December 30, the government proclaimed an official state of emergency, enabling it to launch a crackdown on gang activity. Government defense forces became de facto police officers with powers to conduct searches without a warrant. Trinidad and Tobago was once the richest Caribbean state, thanks to its oil reserves, but due to mismanagement, corruption, and violence, its situation has declined over the last two decades (The Guardian, June 16, 2023). Abuse of children and women by men is growing rampant, and many push back against government attempts to intervene, claiming they are defending the “traditional family.” However, the culture in the once-peaceful island nation is increasingly anti-family, as “hypersexuality” is becoming the norm, on display in the celebration of Carnival, and children are sexualized at a young age. The ungodly environment of sexuality and violence has led many young men to form gangs that only make things worse.

Absent God and biblical morality, the nation of Trinidad and Tobago is suffering the same consequences as much of the rest of the world. The real hope for Trinidad and the world is the return of Jesus Christ as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) who will establish His government on earth based on His loving application of the Ten Commandments, supporting both the inspired structure of the family and the way that family was designed by God to work. As people are taught these ways, they will finally experience the peace that comes with following their Creator’s loving laws. You can learn more about how family violence and gangs will be eliminated by reading or listening to Successful Parenting: God’s Way.