There has always been an intrinsic theme of peace surrounding the Barbadian lifestyle and environment. Regardless of small isolated instances of violence most Barbadians have always felt free to leave their homes almost certain of the ability to conduct their business uninterrupted. Kadooment Day and the acts of crime and violence as well as the videos and voice recordings which has been spread over the past few weeks has torn and perhaps even shattered the peaceful veneer that Barbadians are proud to boast of. Moreover, the reality that youth as young as fifteen are deeply involved in gangs and illegal activity has become one that Barbados cannot afford to swallow. The Barbados Youth Development Council in its condemnation of such behaviours and its support for punishment simultaneously recognizes that such acts of violence are not at the root of the problem but are merely the manifestations of a various issues and challenges which plague Barbadian youth. The 2017 Youth Development Survey conducted by the Barbados Youth Development Council noted that there were high levels of hopelessness amongst respondents and many did not believe that Barbados held any future for them. High unemployment and lack of opportunities were major areas of concern for respondents and as such like in most countries where socio-economic challenges create feelings of hopelessness and despair where legitimate sources are considered failures illegitimate sources flourish. Recognizing, the theme for International Youth Day as youth building peace, with limited capacity and resources the Council believes that the gun amnesty programme is once again needed as it is not sufficient to cart young men off to jail but to give them the opportunity to without penalty surrender illegal firearms to a notable person whether it be their pastor, political representative, justice of the peace, lawyer or even the police without fear of incarceration. On International Youth Day 2017 the Council will be taking to the streets of Bridgetown asking Barbadians to sign a petition to be delivered to the Attorney General, Cabinet, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Leader of the Opposition, the Commissioner of Police and any other persons who we believe has the ability to once again launch such a programme.