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.