Prime Minister Gaston Browne
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called a high-level national security meeting for Monday morning as the government moves to respond to what he described as a troubling uptick in crime and violence in recent weeks.
Speaking on the Browne & Browne Show on Point FM over the weekend, Browne said the situation is serious enough to require the country’s major law-enforcement and border-security agencies to come together to consider additional measures.
Over the past weeks, a wave of gun-related crimes have struck the nation, mainly involving the country’s young people.
The Prime Minister said representatives of the police, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, immigration, customs and other security agencies are expected to participate.
The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology is also being brought into the discussions as the government considers a stronger surveillance response.
“The uptick in crime and violence in the last few weeks is of serious concern,” Browne said, warning that the country must act before the situation is allowed to deteriorate further.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of several recent violent incidents, including a daylight shooting near the West Bus Station in St. John’s that left two young men injured.
Browne said Monday’s talks will focus on what additional strategies can be deployed to contain the violence and strengthen public safety.
The Prime Minister also appealed for wider public cooperation, arguing that law enforcement cannot tackle gun crime and violent activity on its own.
He said the response must involve the entire society, including residents who may have information about illegal firearms, planned attacks or people involved in criminal activity.
The government has previously strengthened penalties for firearm offences and has supported programmes aimed at steering at-risk young people away from gangs and violence.
Browne said the latest developments show that additional intervention is now necessary.
This is really need. I hope we see an improvement in our security response going forward