‘Shoot Hoops, Not Guns’ Basketball Initiative Praised as Effective Crime Prevention Strategy

The Ministry of National Security’s ‘Shoot Hoops, Not Guns’ basketball initiative is being praised by State Minister Juliet Cuthbert Flynn as an effective crime prevention strategy.

This initiative, supported by the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), the University of Technology Jamaica (UTech), and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to change children’s mindsets towards crime through sports. Cuthbert Flynn emphasized its importance in connecting with the younger generation.

“We need creative ways to reach people. Our kids today are more creative and have many distractions, like the internet, so we must engage them mentally,” she told JIS News. She noted the significant impact the basketball initiative has had on participating students.

“We see our children getting involved and learning to be team players, which is crucial. It teaches them new ways of doing things and how to work together instead of fighting,” she added.

The Ministry has implemented this program across communities as part of their 34 Schools Inter-Ministerial Strategy. “We’ve held basketball rallies at Mountain View Primary, and schools in Norman Gardens and Whitfield Town. Some say we don’t do enough for crime prevention, but starting young is key,” Cuthbert Flynn stated.

She highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to not only refurbishing police stations and securing borders but also engaging in interventions to prevent children and families from getting involved in crime.

“The best way to do this is by entering various communities, especially those in the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs), and involving children in extracurricular activities like music and sports, particularly basketball,” Cuthbert Flynn said.

For children unfamiliar with basketball, the initiative offers “an avenue to learn a new game, a new sport.”

Since 2023, over 190 students have participated in the ‘Shoot Hoops, Not Guns’ initiative, which is part of a comprehensive government approach to tackling crime and violence in schools and communities with ZOSOs.