MP Kelvin ‘Shugy’ Simon
By Kelvin Simon
Antigua and Barbuda’s announcement that Prime Minister Gaston Browne will advise the Governor General to pardon prisoners actively engaged in the Home Advancement Programme for the Indigent (HAPPI) has sparked rightful concern. While rehabilitation is a noble goal, this rushed attempt at redemption risks undermining public trust and endangering community safety.
Without transparency, due diligence, or clear criteria, this sweeping pardon initiative is dangerously premature. Alarming reports suggest that individuals photographed in the program include convicted sex offenders and others who have served only a fraction of their sentence. The silence surrounding the identities of those eligible for pardon only heightens the unease.
Let’s be clear: recidivism is real. The cycle of reoffending is not broken by good intentions or symbolic gestures—it’s broken by serious, sustained investment in reentry support, community accountability, and psychological healing. Without that foundation, pardons become little more than political theater, and the public pays the price.
A true path to justice must begin with community-based solutions, not shortcuts:
• Reentry programs must precede release, not follow it.
• Restorative justice must include victims and communities, not bypass them.
• Cultural and faith interventions must be part of a long-term reintegration plan.
This policy risks setting a dangerous precedent—one where rehabilitation is assumed, not proven, and where the priority shifts from public safety to political optics.
Redemption should be earned, not gifted.
The government must proceed with extreme caution and commit to full transparency. Anything less is a betrayal of those they swore to protect.
in other words this is just another gimmick but one that could have serious consequences if it backfired
This pardon moves reeks of political opportunism. The government is rushing to appear ‘tough on rehabilitation’ without any real safeguards.
Kelvin Simon’s fearmongering shows a complete lack of understanding and compassion. Instead of supporting rehabilitation efforts like HAPPI, he chooses to spread doubt and distrust. This kind of negativity only holds our country back from real progress. The Prime Minister’s initiative is about giving deserving individuals a second chance, not playing politics like the UPP.
Shugy you read what you wrote? Smh. It’s always about politics for you. You can’t even give the governemnr kudos for doing something good.
What are you saying, Shugy? Honestly. Are you speaking just for speaking sake or do you even understand what you wrote
Its an accident waiting to transpire. I hope GB dont blme nyone
Go get work to do Shugy. You wickenessing now!
Well he might have a point. The type of crime should be considered.
Those who criticise Shuggy, clearly dont know and or dont care whats going on in their own country. This is clearly a move by the synical GB to get votes. The fact that foreigner can go to a public place that an indiginous person cannot is an absolute travesty. Its a sign of a weak government who cannot negotiate nor stand up to foreign investors….You should be glad you have an opposition and or member of parliament prepared to stand up for the ordinary citizen. Ask yourselves what has the labour lot done to right this wrong?
Chups. Get the F out if here your damn ass