The Caribbean is rich in history, tradition, culture and physical beauty. But the region has challenges as well. TAKE5 aims to make a long-term investment in Caribbean communities by building relationships with its people and by coming alongside programs that can sustain them and grow.

A quick glance at some of the statistics surrounding key issues prove we need to DO Something now!

Youth and Crime
  • The Caribbean has the highest crime rate in the world.
  • Caribbean youth are disproportionately represented in the ranks of both victims and perpetrators of crime and violence.
  • Youth homicide rates in several Caribbean countries are significantly above the world average.

"The highest murder and assault rates in the world are undermining economic growth in the Caribbean region. Although there is no one ideal approach for crime and violence prevention, interventions such as slum-upgrading projects, youth development initiatives and criminal justice system reform can contribute to reducing crime and violence." - UN News Centre, May 2007

"High rates of crime and violence in the Caribbean are undermining growth, threatening human welfare, and impeding social development. Deaths and injuries from youth violence constitute a major threat to public health and social and economic progress across the Caribbean." - World Bank

Poverty
  • Overall, 20% of Caribbean children live at poverty level.
  • A third of Dominicans (33%) live in poverty, down from 39% in 2002. In St Vincent and the Grenadines the percentage of the population living in poverty is 38%. The figure for Grenada is 32% and St. Kitts and Nevis is 31%.

"In speaking about anti-poverty initiatives, "Dr Oluwakemi Banks, president-at-large of the Caribbean Council of Churches discussed the significance of faith community involvement in development efforts. 'Churches reach people at a grass roots level,' she said. 'We are more in touch with their needs and meet those needs in a different way than governments and other organizations. We felt there was a need to let these groups know we exist and to discuss ways of working together.' "

Health / Sexual Activity / HIV/AIDS
  • The Caribbean has the highest incidence rate of reported AIDS cases in the Americas. The region has an adult HIV prevalence rate (between 1.9% and 3.1%) second only to Africa (between 7.5% and 8.5%). (The United States' rate is 0.6% (2003 est.) That means between 350,000 and 590,000 Caribbean people live with HIV/AIDS.
  • An estimated third of Caribbean children indicate they have little or no information on dropping out of school; unwanted pregnancies; sexually transmitted diseases; or drug and alcohol addiction.
  • As many as a quarter of Caribbean adolescents, boys and girls, have initiated sexual activities as early as 10 to 12 years of age.
  • Adolescent pregnancy rates have remained stable despite a steady decline in fertility rates in other segments of the Caribbean population.
  • An estimated third of Caribbean children indicate they have little or no information on dropping out of school; unwanted pregnancies; sexually transmitted diseases; or drug and alcohol addiction.
Education
  • Net enrollment rates at primary and secondary levels have increased in most countries for the past ten years, but dropout rates have increased also.

Spring 2008: Miles Ahead visits Jamaica with 300 volunteers including 80 health care workers...

More about what we do >>

  • Miles Ahead in Jamaica


    "Miles Ahead must be commended for the excellent manner in which activities were organized to facilitate the treatment of hundreds of patients across the island, especially in deeply rural areas."
    - Ministry of Health, Jamaica

  • Miles Ahead in Jamaica


    "Thank you for coming to Jamaica... we need to get some peace."
    - Clarence Nelson, Custos of the St. James Parish of Jamaica

  • Miles Ahead in Jamaica


    "We are coming together with Miles Ahead...we are going to see a lot of lives changed."
    - Tommy Cowan, Reggae Producer and Singer

  • Miles Ahead in Jamaica


    "Jesus is the peace that we so need right now in Jamaica."
    - Carlene Davis, Recording Artist

  • Miles Ahead in Jamaica


    "People are seeing a gospel that cares about the entire being."
    - Reverend Conrad Pitkin, Faith Temple Assembly of God

  • Miles Ahead in Jamaica


    "This night is a new beginning for me. I have committed myself to preach the word."
    - Tegat Davis, Former National Striker and Coach of Seba United

  • Miles Ahead in Jamaica


    "It's been great to minister to my island, Jamaica."
    - Papa San, Jamaican reggae, dancehall and gospel singer

  • Miles Ahead in Jamaica


    "Miles Ahead will be talked about in the city of Montego Bay for many, many years to come."
    - Robert Levy, Jamaica Broilers

  • Miles Ahead in Jamaica


    "Miles has got some grit to him; some street about him. I love that."
    - TobyMac, Recording Artist
  • The Caribbean has the highest crime rate in the world
  • The Caribbean has the second highest HIV prevalence rate in world
  • Skyrocketing food prices in Haiti are provoking deadly protests


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