Anthony Henry

St James businesswoman Ywanada Nelson is calling for police to take a more balanced approach when dealing with young men, stressing that not all youths should be labelled as criminals. She says some young people, particularly males, are unfairly targeted and harassed simply because of their age and presence in certain areas.

Nelson, a dynamic entrepreneur who runs a marketing company, manages an Airbnb, and is establishing a chicken farm with her daughter, said she speaks out from experience and concern for Jamaica’s youth. She and her daughter also run a charity that distributes cooked meals to residents in Montego Bay, providing practical support to vulnerable communities.

“I’m not anti-police,” Nelson said. “I understand they have a difficult and important job, and the crime rate in Jamaica is high. But these young men are the future of our country. There has to be a better way to separate those involved in criminal activity from hardworking youths who are just trying to make an honest living.”

She recounted a recent incident that brought the issue into sharp focus. After overseeing a project that ran late into the night, Nelson was taking several workers home when she stopped at a service station. She told the cashier, “These are my people; whatever they take, I’m paying for it.” Despite her assurances, police arrived after a security officer assumed the young men were acting suspiciously.

“When the police came, the situation wasn’t much better,” Nelson said. “The boys were treated as if they were criminals. It was disheartening because they were just returning from work, tired but doing the right thing.”

She noted that while leaving the service station, one of the police officers asked sarcastically, “Is that your gang?”

Nelson stressed that while she respects law enforcement and acknowledges the need for their presence, the approach must be nuanced. “They need their space to work, but innocent youths shouldn’t be unfairly targeted. It’s about protecting communities without punishing the wrong people.”

Her advocacy extends beyond warnings to young people. Through her businesses, charity work, and the chicken farm project with her daughter, Nelson is creating opportunities for youths to gain skills, earn a living, and see real alternatives to crime. The charity initiative, which provides cooked meals to Montego Bay residents, also teaches the value of community service and social responsibility.

“We need to invest in opportunities for young people, show them guidance, and build systems that help them succeed,” she said. “Criminalising them just because of their age or appearance doesn’t help anyone. It only drives them further away from productive paths.”

Nelson emphasised that mentorship and example are powerful tools. “I want young people to see that success is achievable through hard work, creativity, and dedication. My daughter and I are trying to lead by example, showing that you can give back to the community while building a future for yourself.”

Her message is clear: law enforcement has a critical role in protecting communities, but there must be a fair and effective system to distinguish between those involved in criminal activity and law-abiding, hardworking young men. By doing so, Jamaica can nurture its youth while maintaining safety and social order.