Antigua and Barbuda still one of the safest destinations-AG

During Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin stressed that despite a recent increase in criminal activity, Antigua and Barbuda remains one of the safest destinations in the Western Hemisphere.

He highlighted the government’s introduction of legislative measures aimed at dismantling gangs in the country.

The action was in response to concerns raised in a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which highlighted the prevalence of gang crime and the associated challenges facing several Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.

Sir Steadroy compared the situation in Antigua and Barbuda with other Caribbean countries, saying the country was not in crisis and remained one of the safest destinations in the region.

He praised the government’s efforts to curb criminal activities, particularly mentioning the intervention initiated by the Prime Minister to establish a truce between gang members in specific areas, which resulted in a significant drop in crime.

The Attorney General also praised the government’s stability and experience, highlighting the country’s ability to assist other Caribbean territories with law enforcement.

His overall message was that despite the challenges, Antigua and Barbuda remains a safe and stable destination, with a government committed to tackling criminal activity and maintaining public safety.