Mapping of anti-gang Legislation in Jamaica and Mexico

Jamaica’s case

The anti-gang legislation act, also known as the criminal justice bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on 14^th February, 2014 and in the Senate in March. The bill was further passed in April 2014. The bill aimed at enhancing the capacity of the law making agencies. “The Bill makes provision for the disruption and suppression of criminal organisations and outlines offences in order to restore a sense of security in the Jamaican society and strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies to deal with crime effectively."[1]

Physical violence has been an internal menace to Jamaica since the 1970’s. “The World Health Organisation defines violence as the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against one group or community, which either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation.”[2] Although undeclared, Jamaica’s violence depicts characteristics of civil war which makes the citizens feel insecure and unsafe. The security personnel’s are always ready for a sudden war. The communal violence in Jamaica as evaluated proves that it meets the criteria of a civil war. Gangs and organised crimes are the primary problems of social and physical violence in Jamaica. It has a crude feuding model because of the following reasons :-

1.       Political factions are encouraged due to the history of violence in Jamaica.

2.      Segmented factional politics resulted in a weak political authority and this created problems in governance.

3.      The Factional system also captured the attention of gang feuds and organised crimes.

About 50% - 80% of all murders in Jamaica are gang related and hence it should be taken seriously. Jamaica has been the 4^th most violent country in the world.

Gun Violence in Jamaica began with the 1980 general elections. In this period, casualties of approximately 800 civilians, and 27 police officers occurred. Political uncertainty existed largely because of the ‘dons’ who supported political parties and ensured that the citizens of that locality voted for their preferred candidate and political party. The political parties supported this rule of law, perhaps also funded these ‘dons’ known as the ‘Garrison Communities.’ This certainly became the rule of law. Illegal drug trade started taking place took place between Latin and North America, where Jamaica was the transhipment point. “Turf wars which were once political have, therefore, become drug-related and, where political parties once had influence on these rival gangs, this influence is now often only an illusion, at best.”[3]

Mexico’s case

Now looking at Mexico’s case, “Mexico is known as the home of ‘the hemisphere’s largest, most sophisticated and violent organized criminal groups. Organized criminal organizations have been operating in the country for over a century, originally developing drug production and trafficking activities and creating links with other criminal organizations in the region.”^[4] Jamaica of the Caribbean can be compared to Mexico of North America in terms of crime related activities like drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, money laundering, corruption, homicide and violence. Drug Trafficking has constituted for approximately 80% of the crimes in Mexico. Mexico has a long history when it comes to consumption of drugs. Knowing that Mexico and USA shared a 2000 mile long border, trade relations, demographics and the balance of trade increased over time.

In Mexico, drugs like Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin, Opium were easily available in pharmacies, and markets and were prescribed by doctors which increased the consumption of these drugs. Consumption of these drugs became a daily routine for some people. In the 19^th century, rather than prohibiting these substances, the government took steps to improve the quality of these drugs. However, in and around the 1920’s, the US government prohibited the use of such harmful drugs which enhanced drug trafficking and made conditions more ideal for the same. However, the Mexican government was forced to prohibit the trade of these ‘noxious drugs’ under the pressure of the US government. This basically created room for drug peddlers and merchants to have tie ups with certain politicians and begin an illegal drug trafficking business. “By the late 1970s the drug-trafficking business in Mexico and its related violence had grown dramatically in collaboration with the Colombian cartels. Regular confrontations began between rival trafficking groups and also against the police within urban areas of several cities. The trade of marijuana from Mexico to the USA was further enhanced by the demands of some soldiers addicted to drugs returning from war areas in the Far East.”^[5] After considerable attempts to curb drug related crimes, such as Presidents Nixon’s recommendation to rigorously check vehicles at border areas or the Mexican government’s attempt to destroy plantations, drug related problems have considerably increases in the past few years. “Mexico is currently experiencing a situation comparable to that of Colombia and Jamaica two decades ago, with increased violence, kidnappings, and murders, and a rampant increase in crime”^[6] The US ‘war on drugs’ ensured prosecution of Mexican and Columbian cartels after noticing that 90% of the cocaine in US came from Mexico.

Types of Crimes in Jamaica

Jamaica has faced immense menace through organised crimes like Political violence, Drug trafficking and drug related crimes, Corruption, Kidnappings, Gang violence and its effects on woman and hence it was mandatory to implement the Anti-Gang Legislation in Jamaica. Organised crime exists in Jamaica ranging from extortion and drug-trafficking to fraud, and these activities have taken a huge leap over the past decades. Cocaine is shipped from Latin America to US markets via Jamaica which makes the island a breeding ground for violence as most of the violence is a result of warfare between drug gangs.

 1.       Political violence

After Independence, the country functioned through politicians. The country they inherited suffered discrimination between the wealthy (plantation owners) and the poor (slaves). The area leaders came to be known as Dons. These Dons were financed by the two major political parties, The Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) and Peoples National Party (PNP). The parties used to finance the Dons in order to buy their votes. Political Violence reached its Epitome in 1980 when the JLP garrisons fought the PNP garrisons which resulted in 889 casualties. In the due course of time, many criminals went to the United States to build networks to traffic Marijuana and Cocaine for the Americans and Guns for themselves. “A veteran member described in an interview how the name derived from their reputation for showering their enemies with gunfire. We wanted to stand out among other gangs that were already established in the United States, to earn our reputation, to make people on the street respect us.”[7] Many people felt that being a member of a gang would increase their respect and hence more and more people were encouraged to join the gangs. There was a lot of political unrest and poverty and individuals were finding ways and means to earn money and power. Gang members went to schools and encouraged the youth to join gangs as well. In order to make things simple, Politicians used to pay these drug lords or gang leaders, and some part of money also went to the police. This paved a breeding ground for corruption. Further, politicians themselves became hidden gang leaders who showed their business white through politics.

2.      Drug-related crimes

Jamaica is the largest supplier amongst the Caribbean countries of Marijuana to the United States. It does not produce Cocaine and other synthetic drugs, perhaps it is still a transit point for drug trafficking from South to North America. Jamaica gang leaders exchanged illegal firearms for illicit drugs, which soon became a business. All of this was supported by organised crime syndicates, gangs, police and government corruption. Drug trafficking most essentially exists in Jamaica due to its geographic position, its lengthy and rugged coastline which is difficult to patrol and its valuable touristic predominance. The poor wanted to seek support and protection. The Jamaican government couldn’t ensure job safety, poverty reduction and a crime free society and hence they saw drug trade as a ground to ensure themselves job safety. There was high unemployment and the poor saw this as an opportunity, which increased drug trafficking.

3.      Corruption

Jamaica’s corruption is increasing day by day and the reason for this is a weak governing central authority and a poorly recorded judicial system. Social infrastructure lacks in Jamaica and corruption makes it worse as most of the money goes that would otherwise be spent on healthcare, sanitation, education, and development is now being provided in the hands of politicians and other private entities leading to an underfunded government. This further discourages the youth from entering the government and they get attracted to organised crime syndicates and corrupt malpractices. In the 2016 elections, senior members of the Peoples National party (PNP) received donations but these funds were not turned over to the PNP treasury.

4.     Kidnapping

Kidnapping is quite underreported in Jamaica but it is assumed that kidnapping does take place at a high level due to the corruption and crime scenes there. High-end kidnapping gangs target high class individuals or otherwise. Another method of kidnapping is small scale kidnapping where individuals are threatened on the road and are kept until they share their ATM pin code and till they receive all the money in the account.

5.      Gang violence

“Many lives lost because of gang feuds over turf, reprisal killings and frequent drive-by shootings by rival community gangs, firebombing of their homes as acts of reprisal and the restriction of their movement across community borders into neighbouring town centres.”[8] According to the National security minister, Nelson, Jamaica had approximately 269 gangs and 3900 personnel across the island. These Jamaican gangs were responsible for 80% of the major crimes and about 90% of the homicides were gang-related. Perhaps, it has been noticed that two of the very prominent and strong gangs have alliances with the JLP and the PNP.

A comparative study between most Caribbean countries show that Jamaica, along with Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis comes under the bracket of high level of gang violence. The medium level bracket consists of countries like Barbados, Grenada, Guyana and St Lucia. Further, the lower level bracket consists of Antigua and Barbuda, Grenadines Dominica and Suriname.

A statistical analysis provided by the Jamaican National Crime Victimization Survey, 2016 states that Jamaica ranks first in all crime related activities amongst the Caribbean Countries. Moreover, statistics also prove that from 2006 to 2015, Jamaica’s homicide rate has been at an average between 1683 to 1005. 2009 experienced a homicide rate of 1683 whereas after the implementation of the Anti-gang Legislation, Jamaica experienced the lowest homicide rate of 1005 in 2014. Following the homicide rate of Jamaica, is that of Trinidad and Tobago ranging at an average between 547 to 352 between 2006-2015.

Types of crimes in Mexico :

1.       Drug related murders:

“Between January and September of 2009, there were 5,874 drug-related murders in Mexico, an increase of almost 5% over the same period the previous year. A government analysis of the 6,000 people who died in 2008 as a result of organized crime violence revealed that 9 out of 10 of those deaths involved either individuals associated with the drug trade or law enforcement officials.”^[9] After the end of the drug war, Mexico has seen a considerable increase in the murders and homicides annually. 2017 accounted for 25,000 murders whereas 2018 saw a 33% increase in the number of murders. “Mexican authorities opened 33,341 murder investigations in 2018, the highest number ever, the country’s Interior Ministry reported Sunday.”^[10] The fragmentation of drug cartels has infact increased violence as gangs are now fighting for territories and accessing trafficking routes. It turns out that Mexico is considered the 3^rd most-deadliest country for media after nine journalists were killed in 2018.

2.      Kidnapping and corruption :

An analysis shows that most of the kidnapping incidents are not reported, primarily because the citizens believe that most of the times, the politicians and police are involved. Moreover, the US embassy has reported ‘Kidnapping for Ransom’ cases where individuals are kidnapped and once the amount asked for is paid to them, the victims are set free. Although, in some cases the victims are killed even after the ransom is paid. The government of Mexico has accounted for 771 kidnapping cases in 2017. 2018 saw approximately 1200 kidnappings.

3.      Murders and Homicides :

“A report released by Mexico's Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection recorded 33,341 intentional homicides in 2018, a 15% increase over 2017, which held the previous record for the highest number of opened investigations with 28,866 cases.”^[11] Mexico experienced an average of 91 deaths a day in 2018. The state of Guanajuato in Mexico accounted the highest number of murders in 2018 amounting to 3,290.

The two emerging cartels:

1.       The Sinaloa Cartel :

The largest and most powerful drug trafficking organization of Mexico is the Sinaloa Cartel. It consist of the top leaders of the Mexican criminal organizations. “The Sinaloa cartel tends to rely on connections at the highest levels, the corruption of security forces and internal alliances, rather than resorting to armed force.113 Nevertheless, in recent years it has been involved in violent turf wars with other cartels over the control of certain regions. It has wide international reach and contacts for drug trafficking and other criminal activities.”^[12] The Sinaloa cartel faces extensive challenges from other cartels but it is still however the most dominant in Mexico.

2.      The Jalisco Cartel New Generation :

The CJNG was formed as a result of the splinter in the Sinaloa group. Although, it earned the reputation of a fast growing aggressive group. “The CJNG has conducted several high-intensity attacks against the state security forces, especially in 2015, including the shooting down of a military helicopter in May 2015.119 As a response, the government launched ‘Operation Jalisco’120. The group has access to highly sophisticated armaments, including machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and it is believed to provide arms to self-defence groups”^[13]

Political violence:

With elections nearing, political violence and the menace to politicians has increased considerably. 113 politicians and 8 journalists have been murdered in 2018. With 3400 political seats available, Mexico is unable to provide the politicians security. It is rather shocking to know that 72% of the murders are targeted towards the opposition candidates. The party in power has been blaming the drug cartels for the violence, however, “the reality is more complex given that cartels are often made up of former or present members of both the army and the police, and that their presence often represents the will of state and political officials.”^[14]

Case study of Jamaica and the clauses of the Anti Gang law:

Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke was a Jamaican drug lord. He overtook his father’s drug gang (Shower Posse) after his brother and his sister were killed in a drug violence. He became the de-facto leader of Tivoli Gardens. At that time, Dudus Coke was closely connected to the JLP party, especially with the then Prime Minister ‘Bruce Goulding’. Drug violence and connections were built in the United States and hence the US asked the Jamaican government for extradition of Coke on the basis of Drug trafficking charges. Dudus Coke had the support of the locals around him due to his community programs and hence it was difficult for any higher authorities or cops to catch him without their support. Further, he had basically pleaded not guilty for all the charges on him and Bruce Goulding supported him by telling the US government that they were using warrantless wiretapping as a method to catch hold of Coke when all accusations against him were false. His arrest provoked the locals in Kingston and other places and this created violence between his supporters and his haters. The violence killed more than 73 people including the Jamaican security forces and Kingston Gunmen. He was sentenced imprisonment of 23 years on 8^th June, 2012.                                                  This case was one of the primary reasons why the Anti-gang Legislation was formed in 2013 and further implemented in 2014.                                                                                            

The criminal justice act was articulated with serious punishments. The offences are listed with the punishments. Part 1 of the Anti-Gang legislation talks about the Title and defines terms like ‘child’, ‘gang’, ‘criminal activity’, ‘criminal organization’ etc and includes articles or clauses 1-4.                                                                                                                              

Part 2 of the schedule deals with the offences and penalties for the offences and includes Article 6-14. The most essential clauses are:-

·        Clause 3 of the act maintains that it is an offence and a crime to participate or to be a member of a gang. An individual who prevents another from leaving a gang or aids and abets an individual to join a gang is held liable and is punished with imprisonment for 30 years and a fine of $500,000.

·        Clause 7 of the act maintains that it is a major offence when an individual has committed or is preparing to commit a murder for the benefit of the gang. Under this clause, any individual who holds custody of another individual or group of individual or prepares or supplies or is in possession of firearms, unlawful commodities, bullet-vests, ammunitions etc. A person convicted under this section would be imprisoned for 20 years and a fine of $300,000 would be charged.

·        Clause 8 An individual who aids or abets, directly or indirectly, any individual to commit an offence is convicted with imprisonment for 20 years and a fine of $300,000.

·        Clause 6 Under this clause, any individual who knows of or has reason to believe that another individual or gang is committing a crime and the former aids, conceals or harbours the latter, the former would be convicted to a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for 15 years. This includes offences by law enforcement officers and police officers.

·        Clause 9 An individual must not lead a criminal organization or gang or knowingly lead a criminal organization. The individual will be imprisoned for a term of 25 years and a fine of $200,000 will be charged.

·        Clause 5 Under this clause, recruitment of an adult to a criminal organization is a crime and is taken very seriously. During the summary conviction, and individual is imprisoned for 10 years, although conviction with indictment, an individual is imprisoned for 15 years.

·        Clause 4 Under this clause, recruitment of a child to a criminal organization is crime. During the summary conviction, an individual is convicted for 15 years and in the case of conviction with indictment, he/she is imprisoned for 20 years and fine payable rupees $500,000.

Perhaps, if a child is recruited from a school or a worship place, the convict is imprisoned for 25 years and a high fee is charged.

·        Clause 11 This clause deals with the offence of taking retaliatory action against another individual or that individuals relatives, friends, family etc.

“Gang Leader Case to Test Jamaica’s Controversial Anti-Gang Legislation”[15]

On 21^st January, 2015, Omar Spaulding, was prosecuted under the (Criminal Justice Act) Anti-gang Legislation, 2014. This was the first time the act was being used against the head of a criminal organization. He was the head of the Scare Dem Gang. The gang was one of the most dangerous gangs to have played a role in the violence of West Kingston. Spaulding was caught with an Uzi Sub machine gun, a revolver and a pistol and was arrested in a raid on his house. Spaulding was charged with clause 7 and clause 4 of the Anti-Gang Legislation for holding custody of firearms and recruiting children below 18 years of age and other additional charges. 

This was a crucial judgement for every Jamaican as this judgement would define how strong and genuine this act is and if it will destroy criminal networks after getting hold of its heads. This would decide the intensity and the power the laws held. Perhaps, if we look at El Salvador’s Anti-gang laws, we can see that even though the gang heads are locked up in prison, the criminal networks and gangs still exist significantly. El Salvador prisons were full of youths but they could weaken the gangs.

Having a look at Jamaica’s current scenario, one would like to enlighten arguments on 3-4 case studies which certainly proves that gangs are not afraid of the Anti-gang legislation and even now Jamaica is not a safe place to be in. “A research associate at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs wrote: The Anti-Gang Act ultimately hurts much more than it helps. It facilitates mass arrests and the escalation of violence, but not the conviction of large numbers of felons.”[16]  The controversies of the legislation which basically intended that criminal networks and activities would significantly exist, seem correct to me. Arresting or punishing the heads would not put an end to the criminal organization, their networks or their motives. Further, corruption from ground level to the highest level doesn’t seem to come to an end.

1.      “Jamaica: Police carry out big gang bust under anti-gang legislation ; head of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC), Assistant Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey, told reporters at a press briefing at his office on Orange Street in downtown Kingston that a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force — a detective corporal — is among 15 people who were arrested under the anti-gang legislation early Saturday morning when the police effectively crippled the gang.”[17] The ruthless criminal gang were blamed for eight murders and rapes. Rape of a 12 year old girl. Corruption still hasn’t ended in Jamaica, even after the introduction of the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch. Corruption exists between the police, political parties, criminal gangs and other high end officials.

2.      “The three police constables accused of kidnapping a 15 year old boy in Westmoreland are to be charged with criminal offences.”[18] It has been noticed that the police and higher officials, including political parties receive support and give support to criminal gangs and organizations. However, head of C-TOC, Fitz Bailey claims that cops are also facing investigations and extortion charges. Apparently, a sum of 2 million was demanded after the kidnap. Settlement was made for US $1000 and $200,000. Although, it was still an unsafe scenario. Moreover, the public would lose faith on the newly brought legislation and its power.

3.      “Jamaica is on high alert for gang violence — but officials say island safe for tourists.”[19] Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness declared a state of emergency after violent gang wars in St James Parish. The National Security minister Robert Montague precisely mentioned that the country is receiving immense support from the public and all he wants from the public is some support. Essentially he asks the public to guide them as to where the gangs are and where the guns are and not be scared of any threat. The deployment of the army and the police across the country and the search and arrest without warrant helped reduce murders, and gang related activities.

Reasons for Mexico’s downfall :

1.       Police are in short supply : Having 116,000 seats empty, Mexico is facing a shortage in police personnel. The reason for the shortage is primarily due to low wages. Moreover, seeing the crime scene and violence in Mexico, no individual would want to risk their life in an unprofessional job, fighting with drug cartels for mere about of $460 a month which is rather less than the National average wage in Mexico.

1.  Gangs have fragmented, and moved into new areas : Ever since the cartels were cracked down, gangs have split and hence new gangs have been formed. This has in turn increased the violence between gangs themselves. The Gang related problems in Mexico have emerged from drug trafficking to robbing freight trains and extracting ransoms from civilians.
2.  Corruption means political killings are spiralling: “The number of attacks against politicians went up by more than 2400% between 2012 and 2018,he says. The vast majority were aimed at local politicians.”^[20] The federal government of Mexico has no control over the state government, due to which politicians get involved in criminal activities. The strength of the cartels and gangs is way more than the police and politicians, which makes corruption imperative for the police and politicians In order to live.

Mexico’s policy to curb gang violence and drug trafficking essentially focused on Military assaults, reduction of illegal drug flow and nullifying drug cartels. However, this method didn’t seem to reduce gang related activities. Felipe Calderon’s term of office saw a five-part strategy which aimed at using the full power of the state, including federal police and armed forces, and to support local government who were threatened by gangs. “President Caldero?n also looked to weaken the financial and operational capacities of criminal gangs through seizures of drugs, money, and weapons.” Additional projects included rebuilding institutions and security forces, particularly at the federal level; transforming the justice system to provide more transparency and efficiency; and implementing social programs to prevent Mexican youth drug use, addiction, and membership in criminal gangs.”

[21] Pena Nieto’s government focused largely on prevention of crime and reduction of violence. The motive of the government started moving from war against criminality to a highly safe civilian-security approach. Nieto’s government ensured upgradation of law enforcement instituitions which had a positive impact. Pena Nieto also ensured a reform in the Criminal justice system and police reforms. Although, these steps have also failed in securing Mexico’s future from organised crime and drug related activities.

 Recommendations and Conclusion:-

The Anti-gang Legislation has 22 amendments up till now. One of the major requests or rather the most imperative amendment would be ‘search and arrest without warrant.’ “Anti-Gang Flaw - DPP Says Lack Of Search Warrant Provision In Law Hindering Investigations.”[i] With the high amount of crime syndicates and gang related activities, DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions), Paula Llewellyn stated in an interview with ‘The Gleaner’ that unlike the Dangerous Drugs Act or the Firearms act, the Anti-gang Legislation does not allow for a warrant to search premises. Thereby it becomes difficult for the C-TOC or the police to barge in, even with confirm news about the criminal.

To curb the problems, more and more public participation is required and the now national security minister is trying to educate people by sending C-TOC officials and other teams to educate and enhance participation. Corruption from base level needs to be eliminated. The judicial system needs to be strong enough to make decisions. It is believed that in November 2013, the JCL launched an operation called ‘Operation Resilience’ which aimed at anti-gang operations. Approximately 361 arrests and 201 firearms were recovered and there was a major moderation in the crime rate. In order to increase support and police personnel, the JCL has tied up with the Special Constabulary Force. A very big change brought was the ‘Unite for change’ movement which aimed at creating a multi-sectoral co-ordination platform where high officials, the government, private and public sector and civil society could co-ordinate and come to consensus.

One way to finish the criminal gangs is to speak up and come out as witnesses. The primary issue is that the public is scared about getting attacked, or linked to the legislative or judicial process which could prove to be a menace to their life. Hence, the Ministry of National Security came up with a ‘Witness Protection Program’ whose primary objective was to provide support to every individual who stood up and spoke and due to which his/her life was at risk. The current Scenario in Jamaica is not very good. There exists a state of emergency. Jamaica needs a strong central authority, a stronger judiciary which can convict people and make decisions and corruption needs to reduce. The Jamaican Government and her Ministry of National Security has recently made amendments and introduced crime prevention projects like :

1. Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP)
2. Peace Management Initiative (PMI)
3. Anti-Gang Legislation (2014 and further amendments)

In order to see a safer Jamaica, enhancement of their navy, army and police is essential. Moreover, there needs to be a technological advancement in these three sectors of defence. Monitoring of all towns and villages through CCTV technology, computerisation of Police Stations, and Ensuring that ever citizen of Jamaica gets an ID which works as proof and can be carried at all times.

Comparing Mexico’s situation to Jamaica’s, one may recommend that if Mexico were to follow the Jamaican model, it could benefit:

Jamaica in the Caribbean and Mexico in North America have a lot of similarities. Drug and crime related activities in Mexico and Jamaica have increased over the last few years. Homicides, murders, drug trafficking and robbery being at the epitome. However, Jamaica has implemented the Anti-Gang legislation in 2014 in order to nullify gang related crimes and secure the future of Jamaica. Perhaps, ever since the implementation of the Anti-Gang Legislation, crime has reduced in Jamaica. Although, it isn’t so easy for Mexico. One needs to realise that Jamaica’s gangs were less affiliated with politicians and political parties as compared to that in Mexico. The judicial system of Jamaica is independent and has decision making power as compared to Jamaica. Hence, in Mexico’s case, Mexico should first try and reduce base level corruption. This could be done by ensuring that the defence sector, military, police and politicians are honest and not corrupt. Further, the criminal justice system should be further enhanced than what it is, which would ensure justice to the victims and provide stability and security to every individual or civilian who voiced their opinion. After which an Anti-Gang Legislation can be implemented, similar to that of Jamaica, El Salvador and St Kittis.

Another recommendation to nullify drug trafficking would be decriminalization of drugs. Countries like Canada and US have decriminalised drugs. This step has definitely not seen a decline in the consumption of drugs, but drug related crimes and gang violence has reduced. The black market for drugs does not exists and now the Illegal business of drug trafficking would be overtaken by Legal Businessmen. This system could also be overlooked by the Government..

Notes

[1] “Anti-Gang Legislation.” Jamaica Observer, 23 Feb. 2014, www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/For-the--anti-gang--legislation-to-have-effect---_16131099.

[2] Gayle, Herbert. “Core Causes of Jamaica 's Violence.” The Gleaner, 29 Sept. 2016, jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20160929/core-causes-jamaicas-violence.

[3] “Five-Pillar Strategy for Crime Prevention and Citizen Security .” Ministry of National Security, 7 Apr. 2017, p. 8.

[4] Moreno, Ala Balcazar, et al. “The War Report : Gang Violence in Mexico, Columbia and El Salvador .” Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Dec. 2017, p. 6.,

https://www.geneva-academy.ch/joomlatools-files/docman-files/Gang%20violence%20in%20Colombia,%20Mexico%20and%20El%20Salvador.pdf

[5] Puyana, Juan Carlos et al. “Drugs, Violence, and Trauma in Mexico and the USA.” Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre vol. 26,4 (2017): 309-315. doi:10.1159/000471853

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5768117/

[6] Puyana, Juan Carlos et al. “Drugs, Violence, and Trauma in Mexico and the USA.” Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre vol. 26,4 (2017): 309-315. doi:10.1159/000471853

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5768117/

[7] Grillo, Ioan. “Combating Terrorism Centre.” Jamaican Organised Crime after Dudus Coke, vol. 7, no. 1, Jan. 2014. https://ctc.usma.edu/jamaican-organized-crime-after-the-fall-of-dudus-coke/

[8] Munroe, Michelle A, and Damion K Blake. “Governance and Disorder: Neoliberalism and Violent Change in Jamaica.” 20 June 2016, pp. 11–12., doi:10.1080/01436597.2016.1188660.

[9] “International Narcotics Control Strategy Report Washington: US Department of State.” Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs , 2010.

[10] Meixler , Eli. “Cartel-Ravaged Mexico Sets a New Record for Murders.” TIME, 22 Jan. 2019, time.com/5509216/mexico-murder-rate-sets-record-2018/.

[11] Romo, Vanessa. “Mexico Reports Highest Ever Homicide Rate In 2018, Tops 33,000 Investigations.” NPR - Latin America, 23 Jan. 2019, www.npr.org/2019/01/23/687579971/mexico-reports-highest-ever-homicide-rate-in-2018-tops-33-000-investigations.

[12] Moreno, Ala Balcazar, et al. “The War Report : Gang Violence in Mexico, Columbia and El Salvador .” Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Dec. 2017, p. 9.,

https://www.geneva-academy.ch/joomlatools-files/docman-files/Gang%20violence%20in%20Colombia,%20Mexico%20and%20El%20Salvador.pdf

[13] Moreno, Ala Balcazar, et al. “The War Report : Gang Violence in Mexico, Columbia and El Salvador .” Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Dec. 2017, p. 9.,

https://www.geneva-academy.ch/joomlatools-files/docman-files/Gang%20violence%20in%20Colombia,%20Mexico%20and%20El%20Salvador.pdf

[14] Ernst, Falko. “The Training Stays with You: the Elite Mexican Soldiers Recruited by Cartels.” The Guardian, 10 Feb. 2018, www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/10/mexico-drug-cartels-soldiers-military.

[15] Bargent, James. “Gang Leader Case to Test Jamaica’s Controversial Anti-Gang Legislation.” Insight Crime, 26 Jan. 2015, www.insightcrime.org/news/brief/jamaica-gang-leader-trial-test-controversial-new-anti-gang-legislation/.

[16] McCalla, Yvonne. “The Weakness Of The Anti-Gang Law.” The Gleaner, 14 Jan. 2014, jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140114/cleisure/cleisure2.html.

[17] Observer, Jamaica. “Jamaica: Police Carry out Big Gang Bust under Anti-Gang Legislation.” St Lucia News Online, 5 Dec. 2017.

[18] “Cops Accused of Kidnapping Teen To Be Charged.” The Gleaner, 9 Aug. 2017, 5:25, jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20170809/cops-accused-kidnapping-teen-be-charged.

[19] Charles, Jacqueline. “Jamaica Is on High Alert for Gang Violence — but Officials Say Island Safe for Tourists .” Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2018, 7:29, www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article196270399.html.

[20] Moreno, Ala Balcazar, et al. “The War Report : Gang Violence in Mexico, Columbia and El Salvador .” Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Dec. 2017, p. 9.,

https://www.geneva-academy.ch/joomlatools-files/docman-files/Gang%20violence%20in%20Colombia,%20Mexico%20and%20El%20Salvador.pdf

[21] Chi, Jocelyn, and Lila Hayatdavoudi. “Reducing Drug Violence in Mexico: Options for Implementing Targeted Enforcement.” Apr. 2014, p. 4,5., www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/246358.pdf.

[22] Barrett, Livern. “Anti-Gang Flaw - DPP Says Lack Of Search Warrant Provision In Law Hindering Investigations.” The Gleaner, 4 May 2018, jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20180504/anti-gang-flaw-dpp-says-lack-search-warrant-provision-law-hindering.

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