Prime Minister Gaston Browne
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a stern warning to criminals amid growing concern over gun violence, declaring that tougher laws and enforcement will form a central pillar of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s 2026 manifesto.
Speaking at the official launch on Monday, Browne made it clear that his administration intends to take an uncompromising stance on crime.
“The Renaissance will have zero tolerance for criminals… gangs, narcotics trafficking, gun violence, and domestic violence,” he said.
He signalled that legislative changes are on the way, aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to confront criminal activity.
“The laws will be further strengthened, and those who threaten our nation’s stability will face the full force of the law,” Browne warned.
At the same time, the Prime Minister sought to appeal directly to young people, urging them to turn away from crime and embrace more positive opportunities.
“There is a better road… and we will make that road wider, so choose wisely,” he said.
His comments come against the backdrop of a troubling rise in gun-related incidents across Antigua and Barbuda, with recent shootings and firearm seizures highlighting the increasing presence of illegal weapons and the risks they pose—particularly to the nation’s youth.
The latest incident occurred late Sunday night in Grays Farm, where a man was shot and left seriously injured. He remains hospitalized after sustaining a gunshot wound to the lower back.
Just weeks earlier, four young people between the ages of 16 and 20 were injured in a separate shooting near Joe Mike’s, raising alarm about the vulnerability of younger populations to escalating violence.
These incidents follow the tragic killing of two teenagers in Villa—17-year-old Omarie Lewis and 18-year-old Brianna Clarke—whose deaths have sent shockwaves throughout the country and intensified calls for stronger action.
Even as authorities ramp up enforcement, recent operations suggest that illegal firearms continue to circulate within communities, testing the effectiveness of tougher penalties already introduced as a deterrent.
Our laws are the problem. They need to tighten. The law is too lenient on people in possession of illegal guns
PM we have failed our people. Pur young people have gone astray and we dont know what to do anymore
Tough talk nice, but people want to feel safe walking in their own community again. Right now plenty people living in fear
Police doing their work but the guns still getting through… so where they coming from? That’s the real question nobody answering
The youth them need help yes, but let’s be real… some of these young boys choosing that life. Parents, community, everybody have to step up too.
I agree with PM on one thing zero tolerance. Because right now it looking like criminals have too much freedom. Guns all over the place like is nothing.
Guns everywhere. Its the signs of the times to come
Grays Farm again? That alone should tell us something not working properly. Same hotspots, same problems.