Prime Minister Gaston Browne has delivered a strong message to Antigua and Barbuda’s youth, urging them to turn away from violence and seize the opportunities available for personal and national development.
Addressing the nation during the 44th Independence celebrations, Browne noted that while Antigua and Barbuda continues to record the lowest level of crime in the region, every life lost is one too many.
“So far this year, there are nine homicides — two fewer than last year, but nine too many,” he said. “However, we will remain vigilant, recognizing that there were a recent spate of robberies necessitating a renewed focus.”
He confirmed that “law enforcement will intensify their operations, supported by technology and intelligence,” adding, “We are determined to keep our communities safe and our streets secure.”
Delivering one of the most striking lines of his address, the Prime Minister warned:
“To those who flirt with criminality, let me be clear: ‘Gun shot can’t run this town.’ And let me remind you that crime does not pay — and those who persist with crime and violence will surely pay the price.”
Browne appealed directly to the nation’s youth: “On this our 44th Independence Day, I call upon our youth to put down their guns. Again, to our youth, quick money sweet, but bitter in the end. So I call upon each of you to level up; dream bigger, aim far, be a productive youth and invest in knowledge and skill and seize the numerous opportunities for employment and advancement.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice and public safety, stating, “My government will remain relentless in ensuring that safety and justice prevail. Our freedom endures because our society respects the rule of law, and frowns on those among us who do not.”
“Security is not only the work of police officers,” Browne concluded. “It is the responsibility of every citizen who chooses peace over violence and respect over lawlessness.”
Ok gangster leader
Tell them PM. Get tougher on those criminals who chooses to intimidate our people
Your best friend BABA ruling the country. What would you say?
Every year, the Prime Minister gives the same kind of speech about crime “put down the guns,” “crime doesn’t pay,” “law enforcement will step up” but the real question is, what’s changing? It’s easy to tell the youth to dream big and stay out of trouble, but when many of them can’t find steady work, can’t afford land, can’t even get a small business off the ground without begging somebody in high office, those words sound hollow.
The truth is, crime doesn’t start with the gun it starts with frustration, with poverty, with feeling like the system is stacked against you. If this government really wants to make a difference, they have to move past speeches and start fixing the deeper issues that push young people toward crime in the first place. How many times have we heard about “opportunities” and “training programs,” yet people can’t even get a callback or a fair chance unless they wear a red shirt?
And let’s be honest when corruption at the top goes unpunished, it sends the wrong message to the bottom. How can we tell a youth “crime doesn’t pay” when they watch politicians and big shots do as they please without consequence? The government can’t preach morality to the poor while turning a blind eye to the wrongs of the powerful.
So yes, the PM’s message sounds good for Independence Day, but until justice, fairness, and opportunity become real for everyone not just the connected few — the speeches will keep coming, and the crime will keep repeating itself
He love fi talk ‘bout “opportunities,” but tell me where dem deh? Unless you red or got some big name, you can’t get through nowhere. And he always quick fi say how crime low, but every week somebody get rob or stab. So who he really fooling?
Strong words from the Prime Minister, and rightly so. Citizens need to feel safe, and criminals must know that law and order will be upheld. But a warning alone isn’t enough; it must be backed by visible action. Strengthening community policing, improving youth engagement programs, and ensuring that justice is swift and fair are just as important as tough talk. A country truly wins against crime when its people trust both the system and their leaders to protect them.
Gun shot can’t run this town.” Simple and strong. That line should be on every billboard across the island.
I felt that “quick money sweet but bitter in the end” line. Real talk. It’s time we show young people that honest hustle pays off more in the long run