Parliament to introduce tougher sentences and stricter bail conditions

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says when parliament reconvenes, new legislation will be passed to increase sentences and toughen bail conditions to keep those described as “criminal elements” off the streets of Antigua and Barbuda.

In an address to the nation tonight, Browne said his government will be determined, unyielding and relentless in the fight against violence, particularly gun violence.

“We have already passed legislation to support tougher sentencing, increasing the maximum sentence for gun crimes to 10 years. But when the courts impose sentences that seem disproportionate to the seriousness of the crime, we are stunned,” he said.

He said the judiciary in the sub-region should also consider adjusting sentencing guidelines and bail conditions for firearm violence to reflect the current realities of crime and violence, which now represent a public health epidemic in the Caribbean.

“That is why I have directed the Attorney General, the Honorable Steadroy Benjamin, to discuss this urgent matter with the Acting Chief Justice. Our goal is to work closely with the judiciary to increase mandatory sentences for weapons offenses and ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and effectively,” Browne said.

The prime minister said in his very serious message that the problem is not unique to Antigua and Barbuda. According to him, the region has also had to deal with the devastating effects of rampant gun violence in other parts of the Caribbean.

“In Haiti, criminal gangs have been terrorizing the population for years, committing horrific acts with impunity. We will not allow that to happen here, not now, not ever, certainly not under my leadership,” Browne added.