Prime Minister Gaston Browne has told young people in the country that there are opportunities to earn an honest living in Antigua and Barbuda, and crime should not be part of their lifestyles.

“There are employment shortages in several sectors including the construction sector.

Those who choose the path of crime and violence will do so at their own peril,” he said in an address to the nation

Browne said these able-bodied criminals have no excuse to be perennial loiters and to prey on our people. Instead, they need to become productively engaged making meaningful contributions to nation building.

“My government is committed to an “all of society” approach to breaking the cycle of lawlessness and violence. This is a challenge that demands the involvement of every citizen,” he said

Meantime Browne said combatting crime in the land begins with effective parenting in the home, nurturing responsible and empathetic youth, and extends to the expanded roles of the church, schools, social workers and community activists in engaging our young people positively.

“I call on all these stakeholders to join our government in this national effort.

Now is not the time for carping at each other; for stakeholder jabs, (jaundiced appropriation of blame) or to seek political mileage, or social media likes through libertarian, ignorant and partisan articulations,” he said

Adding, this is a time for crime fighting solidarity involving all stakeholders; all citizens and residents.

In order to combat the widespread issue of crime and violence, Prime Minister Browne emphasized the need for a unified, nationwide effort, with every individual taking on the responsibility of thwarting criminal activities.

A crucial aspect of this initiative according to him, involves citizens and residents proactively sharing pertinent information with law enforcement agencies to aid in the apprehension of criminals.