In Trinidad: From Lookouts to Leaders

– The increasing role of women in the gangs of T&T…

(Trinidad Express) Think of gang culture in Trinidad and Tobago and the first thing that comes to mind is young men who might ‘patrol’ a block, armed with guns, carrying out all sorts of criminal activities, including robberies and shootings.

You might overlook a woman waiting on a corner for transportation, a group of young girls sitting by a park and seeming to enjoy their afternoon, or even a woman giving advice to a group of people on the street.

But in recent years, there has been a shift in gang culture, with more women joining gangs and fulfilling roles ranging from lookouts to advisors, accomplices and even high-ranking positions in various criminal organizations.

Last year, 54 women were murdered out of 576 confirmed killings.

According to the police, 13 of them were killed because of their connections to gangs. Several others were killed because of connections to people known to be part of a gang.

According to police records, 13 other women were killed by domestic violence, eight were classified as revenge killings, five were confrontation-related, four were drug-related, three were robberies-related, seven were unidentified and one has not been released.

Fourteen women between the ages of 31 and 40 were murdered; ten between the ages of 41 and 50; and nine between the ages of 21 and 30. Killers took the lives of five teenagers, a six-year-old girl and five women over the age of 60. Police were still investigating the cases last month.

By 2024, women will have lost their lives to gang violence, the latest incident being the murder of Victoria Guerra, aka “Dolly Boss,” in Argyle, Tobago.

Guerra was fatally shot at around 3pm on 5 August, the 19th murder in Tobago that year. Police had reliable information that she was an alleged gang member with links to the Seven gang. The Sunday Express was told she was hiding in rural Tobago with other alleged gang members.

According to police, Guerra was standing on the street leading to Argyle Falls when a car pulled up and a group of men got out. They fired multiple shots at her and a man who was with her.

Both Guerra and the man were taken to Roxborough Hospital.

Guerra, who was under police guard at the hospital, died, while the man was hit by a bullet.

The gunmen also shot a suspected gang member in Pembroke.

Police say the shooting of “Dolly Boss” may have been retaliation for the August 3 shooting of Ezra Sylvester, 41. Sylvester died the next day while undergoing treatment. He was an alleged member of the Sixx gang.

Criminologists and senior police officers believe that more and more women are active in gangs.

Regional security expert Garvin Heerah told the Sunday Express that he is currently investigating the matter, and the information provided shows that some women are even taking up leadership positions in gangs.

“Recent developments and research have revealed a significant and alarming trend within Trinidad and Tobago’s criminal landscape: the increasing involvement of women in gang-related activities. Contrary to the long-held belief that women played only peripheral roles in such organizations, evidence now shows that women are not only active participants but also occupy leadership positions within gangs,” Heerah said.

He noted that some women in T&T have been identified as key figures in gang operations. They have taken on roles traditionally dominated by men, such as controlling drug blocks and overseeing the illegal drug trade. These women not only support players but also direct key aspects of gang activities.

Their involvement extends to operational leadership.

He also raised the alarm about young girls and the appeal of gang culture in the country. “More and more young girls are being drawn into the world of gangsterism. Lured by the perceived glamour and power associated with gang life, these girls are being recruited at an alarming rate.

“They are not just members; they are being groomed to take on active and sometimes violent roles within these criminal networks, including roles as drivers and shooters. This trend signals a disturbing shift in the dynamics of gang recruitment and involvement,” Heerah said.

He also pointed to the influx of Venezuelan migrants into the country in recent years, saying this could further complicate the criminal landscape in T&T.

“Research has shown that a significant percentage of women within the migrant population are involved in gang activities. These women bring organized crime tactics from their home countries, further entrenching gang activities in Trinidad and Tobago. Their integration into local gangs and the formation of new criminal alliances pose a serious threat to national security,” Heerah said.

He said the increasing involvement of women in gangs should necessitate a re-evaluation of current law enforcement strategies.

Traditional approaches that focus primarily on male gang members may no longer be sufficient. Law enforcement agencies must recognize the changing role of women in these organizations and adapt their methods accordingly, Heerah said.

He recommended that the national security apparatus focus on intelligence operations to monitor and track the activities of female gang members and leaders. He also proposed developing specialized training programs for officers to understand and address the unique challenges that female involvement in gangs presents. He also suggested creating and promoting initiatives aimed at preventing young girls from being drawn into gang life through education, mentoring, and support programs. Cooperation with international law enforcement agencies should also be strengthened to address the transnational aspects of Venezuelan gang influence.

“The increasing participation of women in gang activities in Trinidad and Tobago is a critical issue that requires immediate and focused attention. Law enforcement must adapt to these changes and recognize the complex and changing role of women in criminal networks. By doing so, they can more effectively address the root causes and reduce the impact of gang-related crime on society.

“This advisory serves as a call to action for law enforcement and community leaders to take proactive measures to address this growing threat. Failure to do so will only serve to strengthen these criminal networks, further jeopardizing the safety and security of Trinidad and Tobago,” Heerah said.