Author Kim Ramsay The Unspoken: A Glimpse of the Dark Side of Gang and Street Culture in Barbados

Kim L. Ramsay’s fifth book is a stark analysis of “The Dark Side” of our Bajan culture, the part that most people do not want to admit exists, far less discuss. As an experienced criminologist, Kim has accumulated years of knowledge on the taboo topic of gang activity in Barbados. This latest book was launched on April 26, 2023, at the 3W’s Oval, Cave Hill Campus, University of the West Indies. The event began with a lively introduction from MC David Straughan and a captivating reading of an excerpt from the book. This was followed by an excellent performance from spoken word artist Deo The Poet (Theo Greenidge) that plunged the audience headfirst into the world of Bajan street culture. His evocative and carefully nuanced words left many of us speechless, as they recreated experiences and memories that most would rather leave behind or ignore. His words were supported by drumming from his two background percussionists.

In the audience (and paying close attention) were Attorney General Dale Marshall, Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Donna BabbAgard, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, Minister of State in the Office of the Attorney General, Corey Lane, and other representatives of relevant government agencies and NGOs.

This was followed by a hard-hitting skit written and produced by the multi-talented Jennifer Walker.

This piece took us to Purgatory, where three recently deceased gang members, all young Black men, were facing final judgement. This performance piece was firmly rooted in the stark reality that far too many Bajan youth live every day. These young actors completely personified the dark side of street culture, transporting us to a world where violence is the norm, and human life is rendered almost worthless.

Thought-provoking dialogue that sent shivers down the spine, almost casual violence and verbal bullying painted the canvas of our imaginations in the most oppressive way possible.

While most of us were still recovering from this emotional roller-coaster, two former gang members, Zico John and Mario Bruce, spoke of their experiences in gang life and how they were able to leave that dangerous lifestyle behind. Again, the powerful impact of first-hand testimony, undiluted by fictionalization, drew strong responses from the audience. Both men emphasized the role of religion in transforming their lives.

The keynote presentation from the author herself was no less impressive, as it followed the two testimonies. Kim explained her research methods and pointed out that while there had been a reduction in gun crime, the underlying issues still needed to be addressed. She noted the recent truce brokered between certain gangs is not unique and that this had been done in the past. She also noted that certain areas had a long history of gang activity and that it would take a holistic approach to solving the issues. As Kim explained, this book gives an honest look at life

Author Kim Ramsay

The Unspoken: A Glimpse of the Dark Side of Gang and Street Culture in Barbados

Continued from Page 3 on the streets and goes back to the 80s from the days of the CNN gang, Jesus and the Disciples, and other crews and ends with how the streets have evolved.

Interviews with former and dormant gang members as well as activists and a retired ‘community leader’ are all part of this book. There is also an interview with a former drug addict who discusses how hard drugs almost drove him to suicide.

The Unspoken: A Glimpse of the dark side of Gang and Street Culture is now available in Barbados at all Cloister Bookstores, Pages Bookstore in Cave Shepherd, Days bookstore, Independence Square, Downtime Deli at the airport and El Bethel pharmacy in 2nd Avenue, Belleville.