By Val Matthias. Updated 3:24 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Commissioner of Police Enville Williams is appealing directly to morning talk show hosts and local media houses to join forces with law enforcement in protecting young people from the lure of gang culture.
Since taking office in 2023, Williams has sought greater collaboration with broadcasters stressing that the music and programmes aired during peak commuting hours shape the mindset of school children.
“Work with us with the programmes you air and the music you play because more often than not, they have an effect on what is going on,” he said.
Williams warned that violent lyrics and gang-glorifying videos are fuelling fascination with groups known locally as “Sixx” and “Seven” and urged radio stations to abandon such content. “I don’t think we can afford as a small country to lose a generation,” he said. “Now is the appropriate time for us to rub shoulders together as a nation and do something for our young people.”
Authorities have repeatedly raised alarms about the spread of gang culture among students Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor “Buju” Bailey has cautioned parents that many children are joining gangs without understanding the risks, simply following peer influence, He noted that “clueless students” are being swept into rival groups, which have been linked to pockets of violence in schools and communities.
Minister of National Security Major St. Clair Leacock has gone further, describing the situation as a “national crisis.” He revealed that gang activity has infiltrated not only secondary schools and community colleges but also primary schools, with principals confirming widespread presence.
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