Although the Caribbean has seen important progress on a number of fronts in recent years, crime is a persistent challenge. Many of the countries have some of the highest rates of violence and homicide in the Americas and criminality remains a major obstacle to continued development and sustained prosperity—not to mention a significant human cost. 

The Inter-American Dialogue is pleased to partner with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for a wide-ranging discussion on this crucial topic and the launch of the book, Restoring Paradise in the Caribbean: Combatting Violence with Numbers. Researchers from the IDB will present the results of five comprehensive crime victimization surveys carried out in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Barbados and Suriname. The surveys provide new insights into the types of crimes most common in the region, who is most likely to be victimized, the role played by gangs and guns, and the geography of violence. The new data are critical to better understand the dynamics behind the numbers and to implement policies that can help make the Caribbean a safer and more prosperous region. 

Follow this event on Twitter at #CaribbeanViolence and @The_Dialogue

A light breakfast will be served

Opening Remarks

Therese Turner Jones

General Manager, Country Department Caribbean Group, Inter-American Development Bank (@thereselmm)

Presentation

Heather Sutton

Study Coordinator & Researcher, Citizen Security Area, Inter-American Development Bank 

Comments

Stacey Plaskett

Member, US House of Representatives, US Virgin Islands (@StaceyPlaskett)

Richard Aborn

President, Citizens Crime Commission of New York City (@AbornforDA)

Moderator

Michael Shifter

President, Inter-American Dialogue (@MichaelShifter)

EVENT CO-SPONSOR

This event is co-sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank