Police Expect Major Arrests as Government Takes New Firearms Law to Parliament

Police investigators are expecting to make significant arrests in the coming weeks as they pursue leads connected to the recent surge in firearm-related crime across Antigua and Barbuda.

Acting Prime Minister and Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin provided the update during Wednesday’s meeting of the Cabinet, where the country’s crime situation and the Government’s response received extensive attention.

According to the Cabinet report, investigators are encouraged by the progress made in several cases. The arrests already secured and the removal of illegal firearms from the streets are being viewed as signs that law-enforcement agencies are making inroads into criminal activity.

The Government is also preparing to take new legislation to Parliament on September 18 as part of efforts to strengthen the response to illegal firearms and serious crime.

Although details of the proposed legislation were not disclosed, Cabinet said the measures are intended to provide the police, prosecutors and courts with stronger tools to deal with people who possess, traffic or use illegal firearms.

The Government has also expressed concern about the sentences imposed on people convicted of serious gun-related offences, particularly repeat offenders.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne previously called for tougher penalties to provide a more effective deterrent, while acknowledging the constitutional independence of the judiciary.

Cabinet said the national response to crime will include stronger legislation, increased penalties, expanded surveillance, additional resources for law enforcement and greater use of technology.

More than EC$4 million was committed earlier this year to train additional police recruits and provide officers with equipment and specialised crime-prevention and detection technology.

The Government is also expanding the national CCTV network, with more than 200 cameras earmarked for deployment at strategic locations.

Cabinet commended Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers and members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda for their work and promised continued financial and legislative support.

However, the Government warned that police officers cannot defeat crime without assistance from the public.

Residents with information about shootings, robberies, illegal firearms or people involved in criminal activity are being urged to contact the police.

Cabinet said information that may appear insignificant could help investigators identify an offender, locate an illegal weapon or solve a serious crime.

The Government maintained that the recent firearm-related incidents are being treated with the utmost seriousness and warned that people who introduce illegal guns into communities, use firearms to commit crimes or assist violent offenders will face the full force of the law.