Gang formation and gang structure in Aruba: why they persist?

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The study of gangs is important to Aruba and some other Caribbean islands because gang existence is an issue at the moment and, to date, no research has been conducted on this disturbing social problem in the small Caribbean islands. DESIGN: This research is based on a qualitative research approach utilizing a single case study and is exploratory of nature. An ethnographic approach was applied. RESULTS: The study found that there are very dangerous gangs on the island, with similar structure, recruitments techniques and quitting difficulties as reflected as in the literature for other developed and developing countries. Specific findings are that some parents and trustful adults do nurture, encourage and inculcate gang attributes in their children and that members of the studied gang dropped out of school after they got involved in gang activities due to frequent gang violence at school. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that the one gang studied in Aruba is like a web of entrapment. This is because once you are a member of the gang, it is highly probable that you will become trapped with reduced opportunities to get out. Given the findings of the study therefore, there is a pressing need for immediate intervention to protect the island of Aruba from the detrimental effects which have the potential to ruin the image of Aruba as a tourist destination as well as to threaten the security and safety needs of its citizens.