Attorney General Promises Swift Action Amid Surge in Violent Crimes

By Aabigayle McIntosh

The country’s Attorney General is assuring the public that swift action is being taken to address the recent spate of criminal activities.

Earlier this month, 17-year-old Omarrie Graham of Bendals was stabbed to death following a suspected deadly altercation between family members.

Days ago, 24-year-old Kevin Vaciannie of Yorks was shot dead at the G-Spot Nightclub, and another man who was shot in the abdomen remains in stable condition in the hospital.

Sir Steadroy Benjamin said law enforcement officials are working to address these issues and believes these crimes are driven by emotions.

“This type of behavior is not normal in Antigua and Barbuda. We have discovered over the years that it’s like a cycle. There are times when crime increases, there’s a time when there’s a spate of crime, now appears to be an increase. But what we notice is that most of these crimes being committed, serious crimes in particular, are crimes of passion,” Benjamin said.

“Our country is known to be extremely safe, and we are still safe. Not because we are still the safest jurisdiction in the region means we ought not to be concerned about a trend. This trend has to be addressed and addressed now,” he added.

Sir Benjamin also pointed out that the police have increased their manpower and secured more resources to effectively address crime and violence.

Measures are also being implemented to tackle the issue of illegal firearms.

 “We’ve tried the normal things that police do try, to curb the inlets in the country, have patrols with the Coast Guard to control what’s coming in. The Customs Division has special x-ray machines and sniffer dogs to be used to get these things out, but yet the guns seem to be coming in,” he said.

Meanwhile, the police are offering a reward of $10,000 to any member of the public who can provide useful information that will assist in solving the recent murders.

Anyone with information can contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or call the Crimestoppers Hotline at 800-Tips (8477).

The police are also asking the public not to withhold information that can help solve other crimes and to report all suspicious activities without delay.

The police further assure the public that all information provided will be handled confidentially.