The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its support for Operation Iron Grip and ordered a review of the Child Justice Act amid growing concern about juveniles accused of firearm offences and other serious crimes.

During its meeting on Wednesday, September 16, Cabinet commended the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda for the progress made under the crime-fighting operation, which was launched in June to disrupt criminal activity and increase the police presence in identified hotspot communities.

Cabinet pledged to continue providing the Commissioner of Police and other members of the Force with the resources and institutional support needed to carry out their duties.

The Government said Operation Iron Grip is being supported by other public-safety measures, including the installation of more than 200 surveillance cameras at strategic locations across the country. That project is expected to be completed by the end of September.

Cabinet also appealed to residents to provide police with information about criminal activity, stressing that effective law enforcement requires cooperation between officers and the communities they serve.

A significant portion of Wednesday’s discussions focused on the Child Justice Act, particularly the provisions allowing some cases involving people under 18 to be diverted from formal court proceedings.

Diversion is intended to hold children accountable while encouraging rehabilitation and reintegration, avoiding unnecessary stigma and preventing them from acquiring criminal records.

However, Cabinet said concerns about young people becoming involved in firearm-related and other serious crimes have made a review of those provisions necessary.

The Office of the Attorney General has been directed to examine the legislation and recommend amendments that could limit the circumstances in which juveniles accused of firearm offences and other serious crimes qualify for diversion.

Cabinet said the review must balance the rehabilitative purpose of the child-justice system with the need to protect the public and recognise the seriousness of gun-related and violent offences.

The Government also renewed its warning against wearing masks or other face coverings to conceal a person’s identity. Legitimate workplace and legally permitted uses would not be affected.

Police have been asked to continue enforcing the applicable laws, particularly amid reports of offenders using masks and other coverings while committing crimes.

Cabinet said its wider crime-prevention strategy combines policing, surveillance technology, legislative reform, youth intervention and community cooperation.