Independent MP Asot Michael backs anti-gang bill, praises government’s bold move to tackle crime

Independent Member of Parliament for St Peter’s, Hon. Asot Michael, gave a passionate support to the Anti-Gang Bill 2024 during the parliamentary debate, praising the government’s bold initiative to combat gang violence.

Michael, the only truly elected independent MP in Parliament, seized the opportunity to cross political boundaries and praised Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin for their courage in introducing this ground-breaking legislation.

Michael stated: “Crime knows no political colour, creed, class, race or gender.” He emphasised the fact that tackling the growing scourge of gang violence requires a unified approach, one that transcends party politics.

His support for the bill marks a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation in Antigua’s parliament, where political divisions are often deep.

The MP recalled the public outcry over recent incidents of gang-related violence, which have shocked communities and fuelled calls for tougher government measures.

“Every time a gang violence incident makes the news — and it happens far too often — the frustration, fear and anger of our people is palpable,” Michael said, echoing the feelings of many who felt unsafe in their own neighborhoods.

Michael noted that he supports the bill, but that there is still room for improvement. He stressed that this is a crucial time for Antigua and Barbuda to get the legislation right. “We have to get it right this time. While I support the bill, I clearly believe that it needs to be improved if it is to be an effective tool in the fight against criminal gangs,” he stated.

The independent MP’s support for the Anti-Gang Bill comes at a crucial time as the government seeks to introduce tougher laws to combat organised crime and restore safety to communities.

Michael’s support underscores the argument that the bill could have a significant impact, provided significant changes are made before it is finally passed.

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During the debate on the Anti-Gang Bill 2024, independent MP Asot Michael raised strong reservations about the bill’s provisions regarding minors. Clause 17 of the proposed legislation, which treats minors involved in gang activities as adults, became a focal point of Michael’s criticism as he warned that such measures could be counterproductive and detrimental to youth rehabilitation efforts.

Michael argued that treating minors as adults under the law not only violates international treaties to which Antigua and Barbuda is a signatory, but also undermines efforts to rehabilitate young offenders. He cited the lack of adequate rehabilitation programs within the country’s criminal justice system, specifically pointing to the state of the Boys Training School, and questioned its effectiveness in helping young offenders reintegrate into society.

“Treating minors as adults is harsh and counterproductive because it undermines the rehabilitation efforts for young offenders,” Michael told parliament. “What we are doing with this bill is potentially locking minors into a cycle of crime through harsh punishments rather than giving them an opportunity to reform. This approach will lead to long-term negative social effects.”

Michael called for a more compassionate approach, where young offenders are given the opportunity to reform through education and rehabilitation rather than being subjected to adult sentences. He stressed the need for the government to balance punishment with prevention and rehabilitation, to ensure that minors are not lost in the cycle of crime that the bill seeks to prevent.

Drawing comparisons with other jurisdictions, Michael pointed out that countries such as Jamaica and the Bahamas have found a better balance between punishing those involved in gang activity and protecting minors from overly harsh punishment. He urged the government to reconsider Clause 17 and enact legislation that both addresses the gang problem and offers hope to the youth who are often the most vulnerable to gang recruitment.

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