The government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced a significant increase in resources to be allocated to the police force to combat the rising gun-related violence in the country.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized his government’s firm stance against criminal activities and outlined the measures that will be implemented to address the issue during a recent address.

One key provision is the addition of 140 new police officers, half of whom are already in place.

In addition to manpower, the government is procuring additional vehicles to enhance the force’s mobility and responsiveness to criminal activities.

Prime Minister Browne also highlighted the inclusion of sniffer dogs in the law enforcement arsenal, with plans to acquire four more gun-sniffing dogs to be deployed at the major entry points of the country.

“We discussed a number of strategies and this will be evidenced with more officers on the streets. We have authorized the hiring of 140 new officers and already half of that amount is already in place. So, we are scaling up the number of officers while at the same time procure additional vehicles for the force. We have provided dogs and I have asked the commissioner to acquire four more gun-sniffing dogs to be placed at both the airport and the seaport”, he said

Meanwhile, Browne said the country’s porous borders is posing a serious challenge. He did say however that the government plans to invest in a major maritime platform for the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force to bolster maritime surveillance efforts.

Furthermore, increased surveillance cameras will be installed throughout society, particularly in St. John’s, to improve crime-fighting capabilities was another aspect mentioned by the prime minister.

In a forward-looking approach, Prime Minister Browne announced the government’s intention to purchase drones for deployment by the police as part of their crime-fighting tools.