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In recent years, Haiti has been at the forefront of international headlines for its escalating gang violence, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. However, a broader trend is emerging across the Caribbean, where countries such as Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago have seen a surge in gang-related violence. The spread of violence is fueled by the proliferation of weapons and transnational drug trafficking networks, impacting communities across the region.
According to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), these countries are experiencing high conflict levels. Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, in particular, are grappling with fragmented gang landscapes that have become more volatile in recent years. In Puerto Rico, gang violence is also on the rise, with ACLED classifying the island as experiencing turbulent conflict levels. While governments have implemented various crime-reduction measures, the results have been insufficient to significantly reduce violence.
The Expanding Scope of Violence
In Jamaica, the splintering of major gangs such as the Shower Posse and the Clansman gang has led to the rise of smaller, more unpredictable factions. ACLED reports show that despite a 14.5% decrease in murder rates between January and June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, gang activity remains widespread. The government also reported a 56% reduction in the number of active gangs by May 2024. However, 35% of Jamaica’s population remains exposed to violence, indicating the challenge of addressing the deeply rooted gang presence.
Similarly, Puerto Rico has seen a rise in clashes between rival gangs, especially those competing for control of lucrative drug trafficking routes. The rivalry between groups such as Los Viraos and the faction led by Nelson Torres-Delgado (known as “El Burro”) has intensified, with 41 gang-related events recorded in the first nine months of 2024, exceeding the 23 events reported during the same period in 2023. Currently, over 52% of Puerto Rico’s population is exposed to gang violence.
Trinidad and Tobago ranks among the most severe Caribbean nations in terms of gang-related conflict. The Sixx gang, one of the dominant groups, has expanded its influence, particularly in Tobago. ACLED’s Conflict Index shows that Trinidad and Tobago ranks second globally for the geographic diffusion of conflict, indicating the widespread nature of gang activities across the islands. Despite government crackdowns, gang-related violence has already surpassed 2023 levels, with 57% of the population, or roughly 875,000 people, exposed to violence as of September 2024.
Political and Social Implications
The rise in gang violence across the Caribbean is not just a social and security issue; it also has implications for political stability. With elections expected in both Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago in 2025, ensuring that gangs do not undermine democratic processes will be critical. In many cases, gangs exert influence over local communities, and there is concern that they could disrupt or influence elections through intimidation or control of certain regions.
Efforts to reduce gang violence have been implemented across the region, including targeted law enforcement operations and community-based interventions. However, these measures have yet to yield sustained results. In many instances, the fragmentation of larger gangs into smaller factions has made it more difficult for authorities to contain violence.
The spread of gang violence beyond Haiti underscores a broader regional issue in the Caribbean. The proliferation of weapons, transnational drug trafficking, and the fragmentation of established gangs have all contributed to the rise in violence. Despite ongoing efforts by governments in Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago, the scale and scope of the problem remain significant, with millions of civilians exposed to violence. As elections approach in some of these countries, the pressure on governments to address gang violence will only increase.
