Today in Kingston, Jamaica, USAID Counselor Clinton White announced a new $3 million youth crime and violence prevention program that will work with Jamaican youth to build resilience and empower both individuals and communities to reach their full potential. USAID's Youth Empower program will focus on preventing youth crime and violence through sustainable positive development interventions, specifically targeting risk factors influencing Jamaican youth's involvement in crime and violence. The initiative will provide youth with enhanced civic education and employability skills crucial for accessing job opportunities, and foster community engagement and belonging.
This new program builds on existing youth programs in Jamaica, including the U.S. government's Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), which works to prevent youth crime and violence throughout the Caribbean region. Through CBSI, USAID has provided nearly $360 million since 2010. The United States is committed to building a safe, prosperous, and resilient Caribbean region.
