Parliament to Introduce Tougher Penalties and Stricter Bail Conditions

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says that when Parliament convenes again, new legislation will be enacted to increase penalties and tighten bail conditions to keep those who are described as “criminal elements” off the streets of Antigua and Barbuda.

Browne, in an address to the nation tonight, said in the fight against violence, particularly gun violence, his government will be firm, unyielding, relentless.

“We have already enacted legislation to support stricter sentencing, extending the maximum penalty for gun crimes up to ten years. Yet, when the courts hand down sentences that seem disproportionate to the gravity of the crime, it leaves us perplexed,” he said

He said the judiciary in the sub-region should also consider realigning the sentencing guidelines and conditions of bail for gun crimes, in keeping with the current realities of crime and violence, which is now a public health epidemic in the Caribbean.

“To that end, I have instructed the Attorney General, the Honourable Steadroy Benjamin, to discuss this pressing issue with the Acting Chief Justice. Our goal is to work closely with the judiciary to increase mandatory sentencing for gun crimes and ensure that justice is served swiftly and effectively,” Browne said

The prime minister, in his very serious message, said the issue is not unique to Antigua and Barbuda, saying that the region has seen the devastation that unchecked gun violence has wrought in other parts of the Caribbean.

“In Haiti, criminal gangs have terrorized the population for years, committing heinous acts with impunity. We will not allow that to happen here—not now, not ever; certainly not under my leadership,” Browne added.