PM Browne Calls on Churches and Families to Help Steer Young People Away from Violence

Prime Minister Gaston Browne is urging churches, parents, businesses and community groups to help reach young people at risk of becoming involved in violence, as recent shootings expose the harm being done to victims and the futures of those accused.

The urgency of that appeal was brought into focus by the September 21 shooting at a Bathlodge home. Saquania Anthony, 20, was killed, while Kelvin Samuel, 24, and Joshua Meade, 13, were injured.

Police say masked intruders forced their way into the house and opened fire. Jaquan Shaw, 20, of Cashew Hill has been charged with Anthony’s murder and two counts of attempted murder. The allegations against him have not been proven in court.

In a separate case, police have charged two 18-year-olds over the July 23 fatal shooting of Mordecai Eleazar Francis at Freeman’s Village. Natking Thomas of Cashew Hill is charged with murder, while Dejonte Joseph of Bathlodge is charged with being an accessory to murder. Those charges also remain allegations before the court.

Speaking on Saturday, Browne said the response to violence must extend beyond arrests and punishment. He called on families, faith groups, the private sector, public agencies and civil society to identify young people at risk and help them find a different path.

The prime minister revisited his government’s earlier engagement with former gang members. He acknowledged that the effort had drawn criticism, but said helping even one young person change course would have made it worthwhile.

Browne also called for rehabilitation and skills training for people serving prison sentences. That support would be especially important, he argued, if repeat offenders spend longer in custody under the tougher sentencing measures his government is pursuing. His stated aim is for them to leave prison better prepared to work and reintegrate into society.

He presented prevention, rehabilitation and stronger penalties as parts of a wider response to violence. Browne did not announce a new funded youth programme on Saturday, leaving open how the broader community effort he is seeking would be organised.