The Nexus Between Politics and Gangs

A pattern of alliance between politics and gangs has been repeatedly described in Western history. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica in the classic model of the political machine, street gangs served to intimidate opponents, mobilize the vote, and recruit future leaders for both politics and the criminal underworld. 

A number of scholars have broached the subject within the Jamaican context as well, tracking its emergence from the political climate of the 1940’s. 

Joseph Patterson, Founder and President of the United Independents’ Congress and Michael Williams, Chairman of the National Democratic Movement and Political Commentator, joined the CVM Live Panel Discussion to explore the nexus between politics and criminal enterprises.

In a response to the the legacy left from the political violence of the 90’s, Mr. Williams noted that currently we have a Prime Minister who is a constituency garrison politician and the leader of the Opposition who is the same, he notes that this has not changed from the 1980’s. Williams note that with the exception of former Prime Minister and People’s National Party Leader, PJ Patterson the Prime Ministers have been garrison politicians. He also added that the garrison politics is still alive and well mainly because of the low education.

Meanwhile, Mr. Patterson noted that the role of gangs in politics has changed a lot when compared to the prior. He notes that there has been a shift from the politicians being directly involved in creating garrison communities, to the gangs getting the upper hand and finding other avenues to get revenues from the Government, and now have become more of masters of the politicians.