“We Tried with Him” – PM Browne Saddened Over Killing of Villa Youth

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has conveyed his deep sadness over the tragic death of 16-year-old Tafari Joseph, who was shot and killed last night.

Tafari, a resident of Villa, was previously involved in gang activities. PM Browne and his team attempted to assist him by enrolling him in the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE) and providing him with a job opportunity.

“He was the first to drop out of ABICE,” Browne noted. “We tried with him and others who were engaged in gang warfare just over a year ago. We enrolled him at ABICE, supplied all his tools and uniforms. He and others had the opportunity to work on a cleaning crew; to learn and earn. Despite these opportunities, he was the first to drop out of ABICE.”

Expressing his condolences, Browne said, “We are saddened by his untimely demise and extend condolences to his family, who are my constituents.”

As the Member of Parliament for Villa, PM Browne hopes that this unfortunate event will act as a deterrent for repeat offenders who choose to engage in crime and violence.

“As I have repeatedly said; crime and violence will not pay, and those who engage in crime and violence will surely pay. A word to the wise is sufficient,” he added.