Prime Minister Browne backs historic legislative effort to combat crime, Parliament set to pass anti-crime laws today

Prime Minister Gaston Browne made history on Tuesday when he introduced a comprehensive set of seven anti-crime bills into Parliament, aimed at tackling rising crime and violence in Antigua and Barbuda. The legislative package, the first of its kind in the country’s history, specifically targets youth violence, gang activity and other serious criminal offences. Parliament is expected to pass the bills today as deliberations resume.

“This is the first time in the history of Antigua and Barbuda that seven different pieces of legislation, all aimed at combating crime, have been brought before Parliament at the same time,” Browne said during Tuesday’s session. The prime minister commended the member for St John’s City South and the Department of Legal Affairs for putting together this comprehensive approach to law enforcement, adding that these pieces of legislation are crucial to curbing the rising tide of crime in the country.

The legislative package includes the long-awaited Anti-Gang Bill, which seeks to dismantle criminal networks by imposing harsher penalties for gang-related activity and providing rehabilitation opportunities for those willing to reform. Other bills address issues such as gun violence, juvenile delinquency and repeat offenses, many of which impose harsher penalties to deter criminals.

Browne acknowledged the recent increase in crime, particularly youth violence, that has shaken the country in recent months. However, he noted that law enforcement efforts have already yielded positive results, with crime rates declining in recent weeks. “Yes, we had an escalation in crime and violence, but there has been a decline in its prevalence, thanks to increased law enforcement activity and the strong response from all stakeholders,” Browne said.

He stressed that the introduction of these bills is part of a larger, coordinated effort between the executive, judiciary and legislature to comprehensively tackle crime. “We are now in Parliament to implement the legislative changes needed to ensure tougher punishment for those involved in heinous crimes and to create deterrents that will discourage future offenders,” he added.

One of the key features of the new legislation is increased cooperation between government departments. The bills follow a marked increase in cooperation between the executive, law enforcement and the judiciary to tackle criminal activity. The Prime Minister noted that this level of coordination was essential to stem the tide of violence, particularly among youth gangs.

The Anti-Gang Bill in particular is expected to have a major impact on reducing gang-related crime. Browne revealed that as many as 80 gang members took part in recent consultations, shedding light on the scale of the problem. The bill introduces measures to punish the formation of criminal gangs, with a clear legal definition that will allow law enforcement to prosecute groups involved in illegal activities.

As parliament prepares to resume today, expectations are high that the bills will pass without significant opposition. Browne reiterated the importance of acting now, warning that delaying would allow crime to spiral out of control. “At one point, countries like Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago were where we are today,” he said. “Now is the time for us to stamp out crime before it escalates further.”

The legislative package is part of a broader government strategy to not only punish criminals but also rehabilitate those willing to turn their lives around. Browne highlighted his government’s “4E strategy”, which focuses on providing educational opportunities, employment, entrepreneurship and improvement programs to young people at risk of falling into a life of crime.

The government has already seen some early success in its rehabilitation efforts. Browne revealed that 32 former gang members have enrolled in skills development programs, and several more are seeking employment through government initiatives. “We want these young people to become productive citizens and we are giving them the tools to do that,” he said.

In addition to legislative changes, the Prime Minister assured the public that law enforcement would be further strengthened with additional resources. The government has acquired new vessels, drones, surveillance equipment and firearms, while the number of police officers has increased by 140. These investments are intended to ensure that law enforcement is equipped to deal with the changing nature of criminal activities in the country.

As the bills move toward final passage today, many see this moment as a turning point in Antigua and Barbuda’s fight against crime. The Prime Minister’s historic legislative push reflects a clear commitment to restoring peace and security to the island, while also ensuring that the root causes of criminal behavior are addressed through rehabilitation and community support.

“This is a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to combating crime,” Browne said. “We are taking the necessary steps to protect our country and ensure that future generations grow up in a safer, more secure Antigua and Barbuda.”

Parliament is expected to adopt the bills later today, as the country moves toward major legal reforms to combat crime.

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