House of Commons debates bill to criminalise gang membership

Government introduces anti-gang law as leaders debate solutions to rising crime

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has tabled the long-awaited Anti-Gang Bill 2024, a measure designed to curb the rise in gang-related activities that have threatened the nation in recent months.

Attorney General Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin led the discussion, presenting the bill as a critical tool to protect the country from what he described as a record-breaking increase in criminal activity.

In his address to Parliament, AG Benjamin stressed the importance of taking urgent action to combat the formation and spread of gangs in Antigua and Barbuda.

He described the bill as one of the necessary measures, noting that similar legislation already exists in other Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados.

He emphasized the role of law enforcement and praised officers for their tireless efforts to maintain public safety. “We will not allow this problem to fester. We are determined to stop the spread of gangs and protect our coasts,” Benjamin said.

The bill defines a gang as a combination of two or more individuals engaged in criminal activity. It proposes tough penalties for anyone involved in gang-related crimes.

These include up to 15 years in prison for gang leaders and members, with even harsher penalties for those who recruit minors or target schools and places of worship. The legislation also includes provisions to punish those who hide or aid gang members.

“This government is not joking. We are asking for the cooperation of the public and the people of this country are happy with the actions we are taking,” the attorney general claimed.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle agreed with the need for the bill, but also raised concerns about the government’s slow response to rising crime.

“This is necessary legislation, but it should have been done in consultation with others earlier,” Pringle noted.

He questioned the government’s handling of the crime wave, attributing the decline in gang violence to community efforts, not just government initiatives.

Pringle stressed the need for a more proactive approach, especially in schools, where early intervention can prevent young people from entering gang culture.

Pringle, a former Army officer, also noted the importance of community involvement and law enforcement presence in neighborhoods, but stressed that these relationships have eroded over time.

“If we change our approach to how we deal with these situations, it will resonate with those who follow us. We need to address the problem in our schools and provide our youth with better opportunities to avoid joining gangs,” he said.

Education Minister Daryll Matthew echoed this sentiment, agreeing that legislation alone would not solve the gang problem. He acknowledged that many young people involved in gangs probably did not want to be involved and were driven into this lifestyle by a lack of alternatives.

“We need to ask why these young people got involved in gangs and how education can play a role in reform and prevention,” Matthew said. He called for a greater focus on education as a means of addressing the root causes of gang-related activity, stressing that government initiatives to expand educational opportunities, such as the development of the University of the West Indies’ Five Islands Campus, were crucial to providing young people with better choices.

Matthew also highlighted the Prime Minister’s recent initiative to meet with gang members, a move he described as unprecedented in the Caribbean. He praised the leadership shown during these interactions, noting that many gang members expressed a desire to leave the gang lifestyle if given the opportunity to return to school or engage in other productive activities. “It’s easy to label these young people as criminals, but many of them joined gangs for protection and are now looking for a way out,” the minister explained.

The introduction of the Anti-Gang Act is an important step in the government’s fight against crime. However, the discussions in parliament showed that there is a need for comprehensive solutions.

From education to community engagement, the debate showed that both the government and the opposition recognise the importance of tackling the root causes of crime while ensuring strong and effective law enforcement.

The debate on the bill and other related bills will resume on Friday.

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