LETTER: Police Commissioner Under Fire Following Spate of Crime in Antigua

Dear Prime Minister Browne,

As you prepare to address the nation on Tuesday, I write to you with a deep sense of urgency regarding the escalating crime wave that is currently gripping Antigua and Barbuda.

Our beloved nation is in the throes of a serious crisis, one that has left our communities living in fear and uncertainty.

The alarming rise in murders, armed robberies, and gun-related violence demands immediate and decisive action.

However, it has become increasingly clear that the current leadership of our police force, particularly under the Commissioner of Police, is not up to the task of addressing these challenges.

*The Case for Change*

The police force under the current Commissioner has shown itself to be ineffective in combating the surge in crime. Despite the growing threats to public safety, our police force remains under-resourced and poorly managed.

The absence of critical tools such as a fingerprint database and a forensic lab, coupled with the frequent malfunction of street cameras, has rendered our police force almost powerless in the face of rising criminal activity.

These deficiencies have persisted under the Commissioner’s watch, and there has been little to no progress in rectifying them.

Operational inefficiencies further compound the problem. It is disheartening to see police vehicles being misused for personal errands rather than patrolling our neighborhoods.

Community policing, which is vital for building trust and preventing crime, is virtually non-existent.

Police stations are closing at night, and even when they are open, calls often go unanswered during late hours. This lack of accessibility is unacceptable, particularly at a time when the public is desperate for protection.

Physical fitness standards among officers are another area of concern. Many officers are visibly unfit, which could impede their ability to respond effectively in critical situations.

The absence of a functional radio communication system further limits their effectiveness. These are basic requirements for any police force, yet under the current leadership, these issues have been neglected.

Moreover, the public’s interactions with the police reveal a troubling lack of professionalism, indicative of inadequate training.

The increasing number of unsolved murders, coupled with the rise in robberies and gun crimes, only underscores the shortcomings of the police force under the Commissioner’s leadership.

*A Call for New Leadership*

Prime Minister, our nation is at a crossroads. The continued tenure of the current Commissioner of Police poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

The failures in leadership are evident, and the consequences are dire. We need a Commissioner who is not only capable of leading the force with competence and integrity but who also understands the urgency of the situation and is prepared to take bold and decisive action to restore order.

The Commissioner’s inability to secure the necessary resources, implement effective strategies, and inspire confidence within the ranks has led to a reactive, rather than proactive, approach to policing.

This is not the leadership we need in these critical times. The people of Antigua and Barbuda deserve better, and they are looking to you, Prime Minister, to make the necessary changes to protect our communities.

*Conclusion*

I respectfully urge you to consider the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police. The safety of our nation depends on it. We need new leadership in the police force—leadership that is prepared to confront the challenges we face head-on and restore a sense of security to our communities.

The time for action is now, and I trust that you will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your address on Tuesday and hope to hear a commitment to the changes that our nation so desperately needs.

Sincerely,
Antigua and Barbuda