Curfew for young people from 9pm to 5am will be introduced

The government plans to introduce new legislation in parliament to impose a curfew on persons under the age of 18 in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to the Cabinet Memorandum, this decision is the result of an extensive discussion about crime, violence and the use of firearms by criminals.

The proposed law would make it illegal for minors to be outside their homes between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. without the supervision of their parents or guardians.

In addition, the government is taking a multifaceted approach to combating crime, including implementing anti-gang legislation and providing resources such as cars, boats, drones, radios and communications equipment to law enforcement agencies.

These measures are intended to address the increase in gun-related crimes and improve the identification of individuals involved in criminal activity, even when they conceal their identity with items such as hoodies, masks and gloves.

In addition, the government wants to enter into discussions with event organizers to tackle the promotion of violent, misogynistic and antisocial content by certain artists.

There are also plans to revise the laws on public cannabis use, with the aim of imposing fines to deter people from engaging in this behaviour.

The Prime Minister has identified specific youth gangs that use social media to spread threatening content.

Law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring social media platforms and plan to take strict action against individuals associated with these groups.

They will also conduct awareness campaigns on social media to discourage young people from joining these violent groups.

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