Aruba Reclassering Warns of Rising Youth Fights Near Schools, Calls for Coordinated Action

Seraida Pemberton-Leonard, Director of Reclassering, says Aruba is seeing more youth involved in fights on the streets and around schools, with incidents increasingly featuring knives, stones, bats, and other objects. “When these young people come to us, they’re carrying a heavy load,” she noted, pointing to deep social problems behind the behavior.

According to Pemberton-Leonard, many youths are dealing with psychological issues, depression, and other mental-health challenges, alongside family breakdown, peer pressure, and the influence of social media. Reclassering refers youths to the appropriate services, but the problems are growing more complex and urgent.

To improve coordination, Reclassering is working on cooperation protocols with partners including EPB, Respaldo, DAS, and Stichting Hunto. Pemberton-Leonard emphasized that Reclassering is the only body providing mandatory guidance; other organizations participate on a voluntary basis. “The social problems are so large that our reach is limited, but the urgency is high—many clients have already crossed critical lines when they arrive,” she said.