"Of greatest concern to this government, therefore, is the high incidence of crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities; and more so, the involvement of young people; who are disproportionately represented both as victims and perpetrators," Sandy said.

He was addressing stakeholders today at a CSP youth symposium at the Cascadia Hotel in St. Ann's.

The CSP, together with the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Fund (UNFPA) and other non-governmental organisations, has been working on draft national guidelines for the establishment of youth friendly spaces which are aimed at creating safe, productive environments for the nation's youth.

Sandy's statements came mere days after three suspects aged 16, 18 and 20 were arrested in connection with the murder of John Thomas, a municipal police officer shot and killed during an attempted car-jacking at the intersection of the Uriah Butler and Churchill Roosevelt highways near the Grand Bazaar shopping complex. He had faith that youth-friendly spaces would provide an alternative to crime.

"The core idea behind such an approach is to provide facilities for young people to develop a greater sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, confidence and empowerment. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing youth opportunities, diversion from potential criminal behaviour and negative peer influences, as well as, reforming institutional processes to the benefit of young people," he said.

Groups such as the Rape Crisis Society, the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and the T&T Police Service, took part in the workshop which was facilitated by Dr. Brader Brathwaite, a consultant working with the CSP.

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