Ruben, Violence Interrupter
A former Jamaican gang member promotes peace
Narrative by Aastha Uprety for USAID; Photos and Video by Thomas Cristofoletti for USAID
August 2016
What does it take to transform a community?
Ruben Robinson works tirelessly every day to answer that question. 36 years old, he spends his time visiting schools, engaging with youth and developing programs to keep people safe and off the streets.
Sitting on the outskirts of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Canterbury is an ostracized neighborhood yearning to be included.
Stricken by poverty, residents find it difficult to secure jobs, often facing rejection just for being from the area. Alcohol and drug use is common, violence is an ongoing problem and instability is worsened due to gang rivalries.
The members of the Canterbury community want change--but change will require a lot of work.
A Troubled Past
Like many of his neighbors, Ruben Robinson grew up in poverty. His mother left when he was young and his father was neglectful and virtually absent.
His perspective changed when he was put in jail.
While in prison, he was unable to see or speak to his daughter.
“I have a little daughter that is growing up, and I do not want to see her doing the same thing like what I do.”
He realized that he was not being the role model he wanted to be.
“I decided to change because I did not want to live that type of life, because that life is no life for a man to live.”
Interrupting violence
In 2013, Ruben joined an initiative supported by the Government of Jamaica, inspired by a Chicago model of community-based policing. With the help of the program, Ruben gained mediation skills and training to host community events that would get kids off the streets.
His impressive dedication to rebuilding his community is shown through the respect he has earned from his peers.
"Kids look up to me," he says. "Because first I was part of the problem, now I'm the solution."
It is clear that real changes are being made.
Kids who used to get involved with drugs, alcohol and gangs at a young age are now engaged with their communities in a more positive way.
“I want to see a nice environment [with] no more guns, no more gang war… People living their lives free.”
One step at a time
It may seem like a daunting task to mitigate the violence that Canterbury faces on a daily basis. But people like Ruben understand that it is a choice they have to make.
Together, they are moving forward, one step at a time.
About This Story
As a part of its Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, USAID is working with the Government of Jamaica to help turn high-risk communities into safer environments.
In cities like Canterbury, a community-based policing program inspired by a successful Chicago model is in effect and making neighborhoods stronger every day.
Violence interrupters like Ruben Robinson are the first line of defense in high-crime neighborhoods, trained to mediate conflicts and set an example for youth and their peers. They are chosen based on credibility and their reputation in the community.
Through collaboration with violence interrupters and social workers, USAID is fostering safer communities to end extreme poverty.