Joy Napier ,
Please provide us with your views on the state of peace in the country you will represent at the One Young World Summit
While St. Kitts and Nevis is not engaged in open warfare or conflict with surrounding nations, there is a high level of internal conflict and violence. Over the past ten years, the per capita murder rate for St. Kitts and Nevis has risen to one of the highest in the world. There is rampant gun crime and gang violence. Over 85% of the perpetrators and victims have been young men between the ages of 16 to 35.
The development of “gang culture,” which pits different villages against each other, has led to retaliatory and revenge crimes. This is, in part a symptom of underlying social problems including unemployment and an antiquated and inefficient education system.
St Kitts and Nevis also suffers from unconscionably high levels of violence against women in the form of domestic violence. Violence against children is common in the form of extremely harsh corporal punishment. Statutory rape and sexual abuse of children is also prevalent, due in part to the fact that the issue is deemed “taboo” and often not discussed openly. Aggressive homophobia and violence against the LGBT Community occurs at all levels of society. Finally, political leaders often resort to incendiary rhetoric - even to the point of inciting their followers to partisan violence against opponents.
How do you think your work and/or activism contributes to a sustainable peace?
I am especially passionate about two areas, which I believe directly contribute to the development of sustainable peace.
1. EDUCATION: In founding an alternative model high school, I was able to address many of the issues of marginalization that face at risk youth in government run schools. The model upon which the school operates allows ALL students (not just those who are strong academically) to pursue certification. This includes both technical and non-technical areas. Learning support is provided for students with learning disabilities and a programme is in place to diagnose learning disabilities. Additionally, my school runs programmes on anger management, conflict resolution, anti-bullying, diversity and tolerance. These are models which the public system has slowly begun to tap into and emulate. In an effort to reach at-risk youth, I also regularly run mentoring sessions at the public high schools. As a Youth Ambassador, I also help lead communit- based mediation discussions with at-risk youth.
2. EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN AND GIRLS: The elimination of violence against women is an essential step towards achieving sustainable peace. I am a member of a Domestic Violence Prevention and Support NGO called Women2Women. We provide confidential support to victims, advocate for stronger sentences against perpetrators and run public awareness campaigns. I am also the founder of #GirlsCan – a group of young people who run workshops and public awareness campaigns focused on girls empowerment and the elimination of gender stereotypes.