32 Gang Members Return to School in Antigua

Education Minister Calls for Reintegration of Gang Members into Schools

Education Minister Daryll Matthew has announced that the government is working to reintegrate former gang members into schools.

He made these statements during a parliamentary debate on the Anti-Gang Act 2024, during which he emphasised the crucial role that education plays in helping young people escape the spiral of crime. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP

Minister Matthew spoke about the need for intervention, explaining that many young people involved in gangs are not necessarily criminals, but are often forced into that situation out of fear and lack of alternatives.

“A lot of these kids who are involved in Gang Related activities don’t want to be in a gang,” Matthew said. “We need to ask why they got involved in these activities and how education can provide a way out.”

The minister indicated that many gang members have expressed a strong desire to return to school during recent discussions with government officials.

According to Matthew, some of these young men did not drop out of school because of poor academic performance, but out of fear of reprisals and violence from rival gangs.

“They joined gangs for protection, not because they wanted to commit crimes,” he explained. “They were afraid to go to school and risk reprisals.”

Matthew confirmed that as part of the government’s strategy to help these youth reintegrate into society, efforts are being made to place members of both major gangs in educational institutions.

“We are working to facilitate their return to school because they deserve a second chance,” he said.

Later in the parliamentary debate it was announced that a large number of them will be given a place at the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE).

The minister praised the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne for taking the initiative to meet gang members in person, a move that has garnered attention in the Caribbean. “The prime minister took the time to sit down with them, listen to their concerns and offer them a way out. That level of leadership is important,” Matthew stressed.

He also noted that the interviews with gang members revealed deep-seated problems that go beyond criminal behavior, including feelings of isolation and limited opportunities. Many youth reported being unable to enjoy even simple activities, such as going to the movies or downtown St. John’s, due to fear of rival gangs. This, Matthew argued, underscores the urgent need for educational and social interventions to prevent youth from getting involved in gangs in the first place.

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The minister’s call to action reflects the broader aims of the Anti-Gang Bill, which seeks to create not only a punitive framework for dealing with gang-related offences, but also pathways to rehabilitation and reintegration. “It’s not enough to criminalise these young people,” he said. “We need to give them alternatives, and education is one of the most powerful tools we have to do that.”

While the reintegration plan has received support from various sectors, it also raises important questions about the safety of schools and how they will accommodate former gang members without disrupting the learning environment for others. Matthew acknowledged these concerns and praised the efforts of teachers and administrators who have already addressed gang-related issues in schools, and pledged that the government would work closely with educational institutions to ensure a smooth transition.

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