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Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne on Thursday evening had a very constructive engagement with members of the 2Drilly crew.
During the engagement, which commenced with prayers invoking God’s presence, the Prime Minister learnt that there are feuding gangs in the country including the Grays Farm Killers who have been engaged in gang warfare using cutlasses and cleavers and resulting in serious wounds to various members.
The Prime Minister called for the warring parties to bring an end to the conflicts and to pursue a pathway of peace, while reinforcing the fact that “as Antiguans & Barbudans, we are one family with a common destiny.”
He said to them that their purpose in life is not to kill and to maim but to be productive, empathetic and caring members of the society.
PM Browne outlined that he will seek to engage the Grays Farm Killers, GFK next week and hopes to get similar commitments of peace and reformation.
During the discussions, the members of the crew agreed to pursue a positive pathway of peace and to become productive citizens.
The country’s Prime Minister committed to providing employment and opportunities for skills development at the Harrison Center School of Continuing Education.
A number of the members of the 2Drilly crew also agreed to enroll in the YEEP, Second Chance programme.
In addition, the Prime Minister agreed to a proposal to assist the 2Drilly crew in establishing an egg retail business.
This is the second time Prime Minister Browne has engaged in gang rehabilitation. The other was the Red Shut Gang which himself and community activist Luther Lee assisted in reforming, two decades ago.
The Red Shut gang eventually dismantled after the members were productively engaged.
Also in attendance at the meeting were King Sagifu and High Priest Selah who encouraged the youth to engage in positive development. Community activists Mitch Jeremiah and Jawato Joseph were also in attendance.
Over the weekend, following reports of a rise in youth criminal activity, Prime Minister Browne on public radio sent out an invitation to meet with the 2Drilly Crew which was accepted by its members. The meeting was held at the Villa Community Centre. (Ends)
Let’s hope this make a positive mark and they all decide to change for the good
Which is the prime minister? I can’t see him. Lol. Let me just behave myself. Honestly though this is a good move. At least we are not living in Jamaica because Hollness could a never meet no gang or crew and come out walking. Just saying
Food job Mr browne🙌
Prime minister I want to say good job to you changing a negative story to a positive one I just hope that the gang really mean what they say and don’t just speak in the moment
The youths needs more opportunities to take part in so they wouldn’t have the times for gangs
We need a lot more for the youths but one day at a time
I hope this goes far and stop it completely and after this is the criminals doing the robberies
Job well done pm Gaston Browne 👏
Not everything needs a sad ending and most of the youths still got love they just bounce up with the wrong set of people and they give them wrong directions but great job to u Mr Gaston
We need more activities like this on the island and start doing stuff without causing
Mr Gaston needs to open garages,farms,body shops ect for everyone its not just about who is giving to much trouble for u to calm down everyone needs help
This is actually a good thing, instead of being punished right away, they’re given a second chance.. I pray that it works and true change is found.
Leadership matters!!
It all starts in the home some of them needs love ❤️ and attention from parents at home. Very good job PM BROWNE God bless
My heart is full. I pray opportunities for gainful employment and skills training offered to these young people will be sustained by the government. It is my belief that they just need a helping hand to stop the life of crime. Remember the African proverb…give a man fish and he eats for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will eat for a life time. Let us show our youth that we care about and value them by investing in them for not everyone is college material but there are skills out there for everyone. Thank you Prime Minister Browne for caring and may God continue to bless and keep you.
Good move by the prime minister
Amen,I hope they see this as a second chance