Anti-gang and juvenile curfew coming
The country’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, has announced that legislation aimed at reducing gang violence among the youth is in the works.
Antigua and Barbuda have seen an increase in youth violence, with the most recent homicide suspected to be related to gang violence.
During a national address on Tuesday night, Browne stated that his government will be introducing anti-gang and juvenile curfew legislation to address criminal behaviors involving minors and protect them from predators.
He also confirmed that the police have set up a guns and gang suppression unit to combat the destabilizing effects of these gangs on society.
“Our gangs suppression strategy will also include counseling and anti-gang public education and awareness in our schools. Also, alternative rehabilitation programs, will be introduced in our penal institutions to reduce recidivism,” he said
According to Browne, youth involved in criminal activities will be housed at a juvenile detention facility to be constructed on the defense force premises at Crabbs Peninsula.
“Our cash incentive program for information leading to the confiscation of illegal firearms has already seen results, with 70 firearms recovered last year and over 40 so far this year,” he said
This story was first published by Antigua News on August 20, 2024: antigua.news/2024/08/20/anti-gang-and-juvenile-curfew-coming. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Comments (9)
jemillia August 20, 2024, 10:09 PM
CONCERNED August 20, 2024, 10:13 PM
VERY CONCERNED August 20, 2024, 10:14 PM
FrankS August 20, 2024, 11:45 PM
Anthony August 20, 2024, 10:12 PM
Simon August 20, 2024, 10:19 PM
Anonymous August 21, 2024, 10:28 AM
When there is robberies and killings going on with these gangs?! Breaking up of these gang is what we want to hear!
Anonymous August 21, 2024, 11:37 AM
ANDREW August 21, 2024, 11:38 AM