Antigua and Barbuda has seen such an alarming spike in crime, particularly by gangs of youths, that Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans to tackle the recent surge in gun-related robberies and violent incidents.
Browne said: “I assure you of my administration’s unswerving commitment to take the fight to these criminal elements and to defeat them.” He emphasised that the safety and well-being of the public are the government’s highest priorities.
Addressing the concerns raised by the judiciary’s sentencing practices, the Prime Minister urged for a realignment of the guidelines to reflect the gravity of gun crimes.
“We will at the next sitting of our Parliament enact increased penalties and tighten the conditions of bail to keep these criminal elements off of our streets,” he stated, adding that he has instructed the Attorney General to engage with the Acting Chief Justice on this pressing issue.
The government plans to increase police presence and provide better resources in appropriate places and also introduce anti-gang and juvenile curfew legislation to curb criminal behaviour involving minors and protect them from predators.
Alternative rehabilitation programs will also be implemented in penal institutions to reduce recidivism.
Browne added: “Fighting this scourge of crime and violence requires a national response with each citizen, each resident, taking full responsibility and playing his or her role in defeating these criminals.”
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