Protecting our children from the dangers of gang hand signals

Recent court appearances of young men charged with multiple robberies have drawn attention for more than just the crimes alleged. Disturbingly, after and even before court proceedings, some of these individuals displayed gang-related hand signals — gestures that carry serious implications far beyond the courtroom.

These signals are not harmless expressions. They are coded messages, often tied to gang identity, territory, and power. Allowing them to be displayed openly, especially in highly publicised spaces like court or on social media, poses significant dangers. Rival gangs could interpret these signals as challenges, and worse yet, they may be coded instructions to those still on the outside — possibly even encouraging retaliation, intimidation of informants, or further acts of violence.

As someone who observed this behaviour, I was troubled to see school children imitating these signals on the street, completely unaware of the risks. What may seem like playful mimicry can quickly mark them as associated with a particular gang, endangering their lives if they are misidentified by rivals.

I am therefore calling on the Royal Barbados Police Force, particularly the commissioner of police, to urgently address this matter. Officers should be instructed to handcuff these individuals behind their backs or otherwise prevent them from showcasing dangerous hand gestures in public. The aim is not just about discipline — it is about protecting the wider community from the ripple effects of gang culture.

The responsibility does not end with law enforcement. Prison officers must also ensure that individuals in custody are not given the opportunity to display these signals, whether during transportation, at court appearances, or while being processed. Strict measures should be taken to minimise any chance of such gestures being communicated to those outside.

The media too has a vital role to play. While the public deserves to be informed, news outlets must exercise caution in how much is shown, especially when these gestures are visible. Broadcasting these images without restriction only amplifies the messaging, spreading gang symbols into homes, schools, and communities where impressionable young people may see and imitate them. Protecting the public sometimes means withholding certain visual content that could do more harm than good.

Parents also have a crucial role. We must educate our children about the dangers of imitating these signals. What may appear as a simple hand gesture on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok can in reality be a marker of gang affiliation that brings serious consequences.

It is deeply unfortunate that these gestures are now being performed so openly, but law enforcement, prison officers, the media, and parents alike must recognise the risks. If unchecked, these displays will normalise gang behaviour and entice our young people into lifestyles that lead only to destruction.

We cannot allow dangerous messaging to spread so easily. It is time for urgent intervention, firm policing, responsible media coverage, and consistent community education before more lives are put at risk.