Rehabilitation First: Antigua’s 4E Strategy for At-Risk Youth

As Antigua and Barbuda grapples with the challenges of youth crime and gang violence, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has developed a robust strategy to rehabilitate at-risk youth and reintegrate them into society.

Central to this approach is what Browne calls the “4E strategy”, which focuses on four key areas: education, employment, entrepreneurship and improvement (rehabilitation).

This comprehensive plan aims to keep young people away from crime and guide them toward a productive, positive future.

Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Browne reaffirmed his government’s commitment to tackling the root causes of youth crime, particularly gang involvement.

“We wanted to give these young people a second chance,” said Browne, who stressed that the solution goes beyond punitive measures and focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration.

The 4E Strategy: A Path to Change

The 4E strategy provides at-risk youth with multiple opportunities for personal and professional growth. Recognizing that many gang members are young individuals who have dropped out of school, the government has prioritized creating educational opportunities for them.

Prime Minister Browne said the approach aims to provide an alternative to criminal activity and encourage young people to pursue productive careers.

“We provide educational opportunities, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship opportunities, and opportunities for improvement or rehabilitation,” he explained. The goal is not only to reduce recidivism, but to eliminate gangs altogether by providing youth with the tools to succeed.

Significant steps have already been taken to implement the strategy. The Harrison ABIS facility has a growing number of former gang members enrolled in skills development programs. PM Browne proudly shared that 32 former gang members are now involved in these educational initiatives, with many more seeking employment.

Government support for employment and skills building

In addition to educational programs, the government has committed to accelerating employment for these youth. Prime Minister Browne revealed that several gang members had expressed interest in working with Solid Waste, a public sector entity, and the government has made arrangements to accelerate their employment.

However, the government’s support extends beyond basic placement. It also encourages entrepreneurship among disadvantaged youth by encouraging them to start their own small businesses. One such initiative will soon see a group of young people involved in running a bakery from the community centre in Browne’s constituency.

Additionally, the government is in the process of converting a hydroponic facility to be operated by former gang members so that they can gain experience in agricultural entrepreneurship. These practical, hands-on opportunities are designed to build skills, instill a sense of responsibility, and provide sustainable livelihoods.

A commitment to reform and reducing recidivism

Prime Minister Browne reiterated that the government’s focus is not just on punishment, but on comprehensive reform. “We have thought carefully about the approach we need to take,” he said. The government is taking steps to reduce recidivism by ensuring that former gang members have the resources and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society.

One of the central elements of this reform is the expansion of existing rehabilitation facilities. For example, the Boys Training School has been renovated and the government is moving ahead with plans to build a juvenile detention facility on site. These spaces will focus on rehabilitation rather than just detention, preparing young offenders for reintegration into their communities.

Looking ahead

The 4E Strategy represents a holistic, long-term approach to addressing youth crime and delinquency in Antigua and Barbuda. By providing youth with a pathway out of crime through education, employment, entrepreneurship and improvement, the government is actively working to transform the lives of at-risk youth.

Prime Minister Browne expressed optimism that these efforts would yield positive results. “We are taking a holistic approach to this issue,” he said, stressing that providing opportunities for young people and addressing the underlying issues behind youth crime are key to preventing future criminal activity.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is committed to rehabilitation, setting an example of how a country can address youth crime and gang violence while providing young people with opportunities to get their lives back on track.

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