Benjamin: Gun Violence Must End as Security Chiefs Head to Emergency Crime Meeting

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AG Says Time Is Right for Antigua and Barbuda to Become a Republic
AG Says Time Is Right for Antigua and Barbuda to Become a Republic
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Public Safety, Immigration, and Labour Sir Steadroy Benjamin

National Security Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin says the recent string of gun-related incidents in Antigua and Barbuda must come to an end, as senior representatives of the country’s security agencies prepare to meet Monday to consider measures to tackle rising crime.

“We want to address this matter in a serious way as we cannot afford to have criminals disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens, nor must we allow them to tarnish Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a safe destination to travel and to do business,” Sir Steadroy said.

Representatives from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Immigration Department, Customs and Excise Division and the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) are expected to participate in the high-level discussions.

The meeting was summoned by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who chairs the Cabinet, amid growing concern over a recent series of shootings, several of which are believed to be gang-related.

Browne announced the meeting during his Browne and Browne Show on Saturday while discussing crime and the shooting near the West Bus Station last week, which left two young men injured.

According to Sir Steadroy, the objective is to bring the country’s security agencies together to reach broad agreement on measures that can be implemented to confront the problem.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/08/10/benjamin-gun-violence-must-end-as-security-chiefs-head-to-emergency-crime-meeting. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (4)

  • Essy August 10, 2026, 8:28 AM

    Why are you still ational security minister? A huge chunk of waste of time. GASTON needs to move with haste and remove you
    Reply
  • #CrimeBoss August 10, 2026, 9:29 AM

    This man has been sitting in this seat and similar for over 30something years and he is acting as if is today he is the position. If you were to be hired by a private individual or a government administration that was true to their words of getting things done and being successful, your head would have rolled Lang Garline time. You and anybody who has all these years of experience and qualifications and yet cannot stop or even decrease these negative incidents in a society is a waste of tax payers money by far lengths.
    Reply
  • Apex Jones August 10, 2026, 3:23 PM

    Let me see how they plan to address this issue
    Reply
  • Ash August 11, 2026, 12:14 PM

    I dont think any man can solve this issue. That need a supernatural intervention
    Reply

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