{"id":211467,"date":"2024-09-13T07:05:31","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T11:05:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=211467"},"modified":"2024-09-13T07:33:06","modified_gmt":"2024-09-13T11:33:06","slug":"richard-lewis-urges-against-politicizing-crime-during-anti-gang-bill-debate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/richard-lewis-urges-against-politicizing-crime-during-anti-gang-bill-debate\/","title":{"rendered":"Richard Lewis Urges Against Politicizing Crime During Anti-Gang Bill Debate"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Richard Lewis Urges Against Politicizing Crime During Anti-Gang Bill Debate<\/strong><\/p>

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Opposition MP Richard Lewis took a firm stand in Parliament this week, calling on his colleagues to avoid politicizing the issue of crime while debating the Anti-Gang Bill 2024. Lewis emphasized that crime is a matter that affects all citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, and as such, should not be subject to political division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Crime is everybody’s business,” Lewis stated during his contribution to the debate. “It is unfortunate that the discussion began with political overtones when we should all be uniting to find a solution to the crime problem in Antigua and Barbuda\u2014the country we all love.”<\/p>

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Lewis criticized Attorney General Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin\u2019s earlier comments, which he felt downplayed the severity of the crime situation by labeling some incidents as “petty crimes.” Highlighting recent tragedies, Lewis firmly disagreed: “The brutal murders of two young women and the discovery of a young man in a pool of blood are not petty crimes. The robberies, particularly those involving guns, are not minor offenses. We have to face the reality that we are dealing with a serious crime problem.”<\/p>

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In his speech, Lewis called for greater focus on crime prevention and youth intervention programs. He commended parents who guide their children along the right path but expressed concern about the many “latchkey” children left unsupervised, which can lead to negative influences. “As parents, we have a critical role to play in the development, guidance, and protection of our children. Socialization starts in the home, and if there is a breakdown in the family structure, we have a serious problem.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He praised the Office of Youth Intervention within the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda for their efforts in addressing youth involvement in crime, particularly through their ‘End It Now’ program in vulnerable communities. Lewis urged for more initiatives like this, backed by churches and community groups, to steer young people away from gang activity and towards positive paths.<\/p>

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Lewis also called for stronger penalties for those who recruit minors into gangs, suggesting that the punishment should be more severe than for recruiting adults. “I believe recruiting a child to a gang is an especially grave offense, and the penalties should reflect that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his closing remarks, Lewis stressed the importance of a holistic approach to crime prevention, including the involvement of police, social welfare agencies, churches, and, most critically, parents. He also urged Parliamentarians to lead by example, stating that their behavior sets a standard for the nation\u2019s youth.<\/p>

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“Crime knows no class, no creed, no color,” Lewis concluded. “We all have a role to play in curbing crime and protecting our beloved Antigua and Barbuda from further violence.”<\/p>

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