Feuding Gangs Agree to a Truce

By Aabigayle McIntosh

The members of two of the most notorious gangs in Antigua and Barbuda convened for a historic face-to-face meeting and officially declared a truce.

This evening, the unprecedented gathering took place at the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Headquarters, marking a potentially significant turning point in the country’s efforts to address gang-related violence and conflict.

“Everlasting peace is what we are seeking,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized during the meeting

After separate discussions with both groups, they agreed to a truce by the end of the meeting.

“We’re here to engage you because we care,” the Prime Minister said, highlighting the government’s commitment to finding solutions for peace.

Browne stressed the importance of cooperation to ensure the success of rehabilitation programs that aim to help the gang members become productive citizens.

He further explained that many young people have enrolled in education and employment programs, and it is essential that the ongoing conflict does not disrupt these opportunities.

“It is a condition precedent for you to have this truce, to start to work together again as one family. Because at the end of the day, all of us are part of the Antiguan and Barbudan family,” he stated.

Prime Minister Browne acknowledged that while the government may not be able to resolve the gang problem overnight or secure everyone’s cooperation, he is committed to making a difference, even if it means reforming just one person.

“We are appealing to you, to help us help you,” he added.

He also bluntly stated that the government is offering alternatives in exchange for peace. For those who continue with crime and violence, he warned that new anti-gang laws and harsher penalties for serious crimes would be introduced in Parliament next Tuesday.

“So gun crimes, the maximum is going from 10 years to 25 years. The minimum, currently two years, will increase to five years. Even loitering will be penalized if you’re found aimlessly around as a person on the edge,” Browne explained.

He also announced a curfew for anyone under 18, banning them from the streets between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., with strict enforcement expected from law enforcement.