PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell on Tuesday said that education is the best preventative measure against crime and violence, noting that the Caribbean has been defined as having one of the highest rates of crime in the world.

“This reality has significant negative consequences on public health, social and economic development and the overall well-being of our people,” Mitchell said in a video recording from St George’s in Grenada.

Mitchell had to return to his homeland early from the regional symposium on violence as a public health issue in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad which ends later today.

Speaking on the topic “Education and Youth,” Mitchell, 44, who came to office last year, said that young people in the Caribbean are particularly vulnerable to violence with high rates of gang-related and interpersonal violence.

“Education is arguably the most powerful preventative measure against crime and violence, providing young people with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue career opportunities, make informed decisions, resolve conflicts peacefully and avoid involvement in violent behaviour,” Mitchell said.

He said the establishment of violence prevention programmes in schools can play crucial roles in ensuring that young people, especially at-risk youths, are exposed to and taught how to master skills such as conflict resolution, effective communication and emotional intelligence.

“Teachers and school staff should also be adequately trained in violence prevention strategies and equipped with the resources they need to address violence among their students,” said Mitchell, who is also an attorney.

He said there was also a need to engage young people outside of the school environment and that mental wellness and opportunities for young people rather than being exposed to violence at a young age should be encouraged.

Mitchell said the establishment of community-based programmes that provide support and resources to young people at risk are also necessary.

“These programmes should focus on mentoring, the introduction of positive role models and skill-building activities that promote positive decision-making and healthy relationships. Governments also have a role to play in curbing violence and crime among youths through the creation and implementation of policies and programmes that promote educational and development initiatives in at-risk communities,” the prime minister said.

He said this includes funding violence prevention programmes, developing and enforcing laws related to violence prevention and coordinating efforts across different sectors.

“These efforts must be aligned with those of civil society organisations, the private sector and the media to be truly effective,” Mitchell added.