The United Progressive Party (UPP) has strongly condemned the murder of businessman George “Charlie” Barnes, who was gunned down outside his home in Ottos Newtown on Friday night.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the opposition party described the killing as “cold-blooded” and criticized the government for what it says is a failure to address rising crime in Antigua and Barbuda adequately.
The UPP argued that while official police statistics suggest crime is decreasing, such figures offer “no comfort” to citizens living in fear. The statement highlighted widespread concerns about the proliferation of illegal firearms and drugs, the inadequacy of police patrols particularly at night and the lack of sufficient crime-fighting resources.
“Residents are not satisfied with the level of attention or protection given by the authorities from the Cabinet to the Legislature to the Police Force,” the party said. It also noted that vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, have become frequent targets, citing the recent burglary of former Governor-General Dame Louise Lake-Tack and recalling the murder of MP Asot Michael.
The UPP has called on Public Safety Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and Acting Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers to “do better by the people.” The party is demanding increased police presence in communities, the reinstallation of CCTV cameras in high-traffic and business districts, and the long-promised establishment of a forensic laboratory. It also urged greater investment in police training and modern crime-solving tools.
In addition, the opposition is pressing for stronger border security to stem the flow of illegal guns, ammunition, and drugs, which it says continue to fuel violent crime across the country.
“The reported reduction in statistics, at this time, does nothing to reduce the fear and trepidation that grip this Nation,” the statement concluded. “We need action now.”
The press release was signed by UPP Political Leader Jamale Pringle, Chairman Dame D. Gisele Isaac, General Secretary Sen. Shawn M. Nicholas, and Treasurer Mr. Leon George.
For once Pringle making some sort of sense. I don’t fully agree with parts of it but some of his suggestions are valid
People are living in fear or even going to exercise in certain areas because of this crap. The government DEFINITELY needs to implement a no nonsense policy and no sympathy approach towards crime and then and ONLY THEN is this crime thing will end.
Just watch those filthy termites crawl out their rotten woodworking to sing their well-rehearsed choir piece! Almost as if they have been rehearsing even BEFORE the murder of the deceased. Almost as if they expected it! Is this our new all-time low??? Were they having their choir practice whilethe rest of the Nation comuned with God on behalf of our troubled nation? Not even their scent was present on that day! Shameless, soulless termites!
So now the UPP blaming this on the government now? There are criminals everywhere in every country. Jamal your statements are irrelevant. The government is doing all it can. Allow them
Tragic, senseless, unacceptable YET NOTHING WILL BE DONE!!
The people wont take to the streets and demand answers from the prime minister and attorney general. You will hear the usual noises, but this senseless murder will just join the long list of unsolved murders in Antigua.
Call for cctv, police presence in communities forensic lab all makes sense but what about better salaries, risk allowance and proper medical insurance for the police to name a few.
Gaston, Benjamin,Jeffers you all put AC in the police station and free rent so police comfortable this is the first country I don’t see police visible patrolling on the streets. When their is a crime they sit their lazy behind down and ask for public help and wait for a tip, give rewards go on corners ask who you see pass by, did any body hear gun shots saw any car or ppl running on foot you all cuss because ppl a talk the truth wait until it’s on your door step. Ugh
This is not about politics, it’s about survival. Guns are everywhere now, and if the opposition is pushing for solutions, that’s worth supporting
UPP should stop the grandstanding. Where were their crime-fighting strategies when they were in office? It’s easy to criticize from the sidelines
When was the last time UPP were in office talking about red is bread so we should not move forward and take criminals and guns off the streets, you sound ignorant to say when Upp were in office we are not having a UPP violence we have a antigua crime warfare so please stop the nonsense.
Every time something happens, UPP jumps to politicize it. Now is the time to support the police, not score points.
So wait…every time something tragic happens, the opposition jumps to score political points instead of offering real solutions. Crime is a serious issue, but it won’t be solved by press releases blaming the government
The opposition loves to talk, but when they had the chance in government, they didn’t fix these same problems