News
Crime on the Rise: Can Psychology Help? Episode #2
#TurksandCaicos, September 14, 2022 – Solving crimes implies more than just capturing criminals, putting them in prison, take firearms away from them. As outstanding as these moves can be, they are not sufficient to eradicate or reduce crimes. Solving crimes can be a long process that can be achieved gradually, depending on the demographics and cultural condition of a community. One of the best ways to curb crimes is the knowledge of the stimulants that turn people into crimes. Indeed, psychology can help.
What stimulates people to crimes
No doubt anyone in the criminology arena will lie out several factors that influence people to commit crimes, such as Biological Risk, which is we can’t choose the chemical makeup of our brain. Adverse Childhood Experiences, Negative Social Environment, Substance Abuse, etc. above all, there is a close relationship between drug abuse and crime. Drug abusers commit crimes to pay for their substances and it is a social group that resorts to gun violence to resolve conflicts. The Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands, the Hon. C. Washington Missick acknowledged that during his press conference on violent crimes. But the question to ask is, are these instincts innate or learned and gained during the lifespan? Is it the nature/nurture phenomenon in actions? Three major psychological theories speak to this phenomenon. Psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive theory.
Psychodynamic Theory
This theory is often depicted as a devil and angel on someone’s shoulder, suggesting three elements in actions. A bad side and a good side, with the person in the middle to manage both. This body of knowledge was theorized largely from the mind of a famous psychologist, Sigmund Freud. He argued everyone has instinctual drives called the “id” that demand gratification. The id is not in touch with reality or logic, it simply compels a person to do what he or she
wants, regardless of consequences or repercussions. So, the id represents the devil because of its reckless and disregarding nature.
Then, the “superego” which is the moral and ethical code that regulates the drives the id exhibits. The superego is the inherent good in a person whom emblematic characters, such as parents, teachers, religious leaders, and society, have instilled or molded. The superego is responsible for compelling people to make the morally right decision based on society’s expectations. In this scheme, it is the angel, because of the “ideal self” that it promotes. And adults later develop a rational personality called the “ego” that mediates between the id and superego. It is the person on whose shoulders the angel and devil are standing. Based on this finding, it is safe to argue that criminal behavior is seen primarily as a failure of the superego. Thus, synonymous with the failure of moral values, and reasoning, of society.
Behavioral Theory
This theory supposes that through the lifespan, human behaviors develop through experience. This is the nurturing phenomenon. Behavior is contagious. People develop their behavior based on the reaction of other behaviors. This conditioning is where behavior is learned and reinforced by rewards or punishment. This depicts the idea that if a person is in the company of those who condone and even reward criminal behavior – especially a figure of authority—then criminals will continue to engage in that behavior. Albert Bandura, a social learning theorist, maintains that “individuals are not born with an innate ability to act violently. He instead suggests people learn violent behavior through observing others. Typically, this comes from three sources: family, environmental experiences, and the mass media.”
Cognitive Theory
Cognitive theory focuses on how people’s worldviews govern their actions, thoughts, and emotions. This is what most cognitive theorists called “moral development.” They alienated this process into three levels. Pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional levels focus on the perception of children, teens, young adults, and those over the age of 20.
In conclusion, when crimes are in full swing in a community, as disastrous as they can be, there is a positive component to draw from it. It is a wake-up call to the entire society to revisit the construct of the community, including the school system, families, religious settings, social groups, and especially the laws of the land. Society must consider the rise of violent crime as a sign of moral decay and authorities must mobilize every necessary resource to reshape it. Taking guns away from criminals is one thing, but reprogramming their mindset is essential.
Alces Dor
Psychologist
Contact the author@ 1-64924-4551
Email: alcesdor@yahoo.com
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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