Prime Minister Gaston Browne is calling for tougher and more proportionate sentences for gun crimes and repeat offenders, warning that short prison terms are failing to deter criminals and protect the public.

Speaking during a national security meeting with senior law enforcement and security officials, Browne expressed concern that some people convicted of serious firearm offences are receiving sentences of only two or three years, despite legislation allowing penalties of up to 15 years for certain gun crimes.

He said that while the constitutional independence of the Judiciary must be respected, greater cooperation is needed among the Judiciary, Parliament and the Executive to confront the recent increase in crime and violence.

“We are asking for your cooperation. We are demanding it in order to keep our country safe,” Browne said, stressing that his comments were not intended to interfere with the Judiciary.

The prime minister also criticised what he described as a “revolving door” in which known offenders are repeatedly arrested, incarcerated and released, only to return to communities and allegedly commit further offences.

He said dangerous repeat offenders should remain properly incarcerated when warranted, rather than being released under circumstances that could place law-abiding citizens at risk and complicate the work of the police.

However, Browne maintained that longer prison sentences should be accompanied by meaningful rehabilitation. He called for inmates, particularly repeat offenders who lack employable skills, to receive mandatory vocational and trade training while incarcerated.

According to Browne, appropriate periods of imprisonment could provide offenders with an opportunity to develop skills that would help them find employment after their release and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

He also proposed that capable inmates be allowed to contribute labour to suitable national programmes, including the cleaning and maintenance of public spaces, as part of a structured rehabilitation and skills-development initiative.

Browne further urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that the courts receive relevant information about repeat offenders, including their criminal histories and established patterns of offending. He said such information would help judicial officers make better-informed decisions.

The prime minister argued that proportionate sentences may also protect offenders by removing them from environments in which they could become involved in further violence or other dangerous criminal activities.

He said the Government would continue assessing the country’s response to crime while advocating for a justice system that balances deterrence, rehabilitation and public protection.

“We are trying to protect our country,” Browne said, adding that every institution of the State must fulfil its responsibilities within the constitutional framework as Antigua and Barbuda confronts serious and repeat criminal offending.