By Aabigayle McIntosh

The Director of the Family and Social Services Division is the latest public official to comment on the recent uptick in violent crimes, particularly among the nation’s youth.

In a state media interview, Mrs. Feona Charles-Richards explained that while the current trend is alarming and concerning, it is not surprising, as it results from issues identified years ago but never adequately addressed.

“In 2013, Antigua and Barbuda, with support from a non-profit organization, conducted a school survey on substance use. We recognized that many of our children were being introduced to substances as early as age nine,” Charles-Richards said.

“At the time, we ranked number three in the region for substance use, even before the Cannabis Bill was passed. We were also ranked number one for lack of knowledge, indicating that many people did not understand the long-term harm that substance use could cause. We were not talking enough about the fact that those under 25 really shouldn’t be using substances because brain development continues until that age.”

Beyond drug use, Charles-Richards pointed to other contributing factors, such as domestic violence, lack of parental supervision, and the breakdown of the family unit or the ‘proverbial village to raise a child.’

“Twenty or thirty years ago, we were often raised by our grandparents and the extended family. However, there has been a shift, with many young people moving out early to live on their own, either to be closer to the city or due to toxic family environments,” she explained.

“This has led to a breakdown in relationships. Instead of resolving issues, we find ourselves in toxic environments where relationships deteriorate. For example, a mother and daughter may stop speaking, and, by extension, grandparents lose contact with their grandchildren. Additionally, we are not utilizing godparents as much as we should.”

Charles-Richards also highlighted developmental issues and trauma as potential contributors to deviant behavior among youth.

Like other stakeholders, she is calling for a holistic approach involving families, legislators, the community, and other parties to address these issues.