Dear Editor

In the wake of the latest tragic shooting, Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s forthright condemnation of the Judiciary’s handling of gun-related crimes is not only justified but necessary.

His remarks spotlight an uncomfortable truth: our judicial system, by granting bail and issuing lenient sentences to known offenders, is failing to protect the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda from the scourge of gun violence.

It is time to recognize that soft-handed judicial practices have tangible, deadly consequences, and that the protection of law-abiding citizens must take precedence over the misplaced leniency extended to criminals.

The Prime Minister’s statement rightly points out the perils of a system where known offenders, especially those involved in gun crimes, are allowed to re-enter society with minimal consequences.

The alarming reality is that repeat offenders are destabilizing our communities, perpetuating cycles of violence that threaten the safety and security of all.

The idea that these individuals can receive bail and light sentences after committing serious crimes sends a dangerous message: that crime can, indeed, pay. This is a message that must be unequivocally rejected.
Critics, such as Justin L. Simon, K.C., have attempted to deflect attention from the Judiciary’s role by shifting the blame solely onto the government’s border security efforts.

While securing our borders is undeniably crucial, it is misleading and irresponsible to suggest that the Judiciary bears no responsibility for the current state of affairs.

The argument that judicial independence precludes accountability is a dangerous one. Independence does not absolve the Judiciary from criticism, especially when its decisions directly impact public safety.
When the courts fail to deliver justice by allowing dangerous individuals to walk free, they fail the very people they are meant to protect.

Furthermore, Simon’s argument that the root of gun violence lies solely in border security is overly simplistic.

Yes, illegal firearms entering the country is a significant problem, but it does not absolve the Judiciary from its duty to impose strong and deterrent sentences on those who are caught and prosecuted.

The Judiciary’s role is to apply the law in a manner that upholds justice, which includes protecting society from those who repeatedly engage in violent crime.

To suggest otherwise is to misunderstand the broader responsibilities of our legal system.

The defense of the Judiciary based on the notion that it is unfair to criticize an institution that “cannot defend itself” is particularly weak.
Public institutions, including the Judiciary, must be open to scrutiny and accountable to the public. The decisions made by judges have real-world consequences, and when those decisions undermine public safety, it is entirely appropriate for those in leadership positions, such as the Prime Minister, to speak out.

Moreover, the concerns raised about the lack of juvenile detention facilities, while valid, do not justify leniency towards young offenders involved in gun crimes.

The safety of the broader community cannot be compromised because of systemic deficiencies.

If juveniles are involved in violent crimes, the solution is not to simply release them back into society on bail but to address the deficiencies in the system, such as creating proper juvenile detention facilities.

This is where the government and Judiciary should work together to ensure that justice is served without compromising the safety of our citizens.

Prime Minister Browne’s call for stricter sentencing and an end to routine bail for repeat offenders is not an attack on judicial independence—it is a call for the Judiciary to fulfill its role in protecting society.

The principle that crime must not pay is fundamental to any justice system that seeks to maintain order and safety.

By advocating for harsher penalties for those who repeatedly engage in gun crimes, the Prime Minister is prioritizing the well-being of the people over the rights of those who have chosen to endanger others.

It is time to acknowledge that the Judiciary has a critical role to play in the fight against crime, and that role must include imposing sentences that reflect the severity of the offense and the threat posed by the offender.

Protecting society requires more than just secure borders; it requires a legal system that is unafraid to deliver justice in its truest sense—swift, certain, and proportionate to the crime.

In conclusion, while securing our borders is a vital component of reducing gun violence, it is the Judiciary’s duty to ensure that those who commit violent crimes face appropriate consequences.

The safety and security of the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda must be the ultimate priority, and the Judiciary must act accordingly. The time for leniency has passed; it is time for justice to be served.