Government Defends Security Efforts Amid Rising Concerns Over Missing Persons
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has pushed back against concerns about rising crime and missing persons cases, emphasizing ongoing police efforts and crime-fighting strategies. During this week’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Chief of Staff Ambassador Lionel Hurst addressed public anxieties, particularly as the country prepares for a transition in the Police Commissioner’s office.
Crime Rates and Security Strategies
Hurst insisted that despite public fears, crime rates have not increased under outgoing Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney. He described claims of worsening crime as inaccurate, noting that official data does not support the perception of a spike in criminal activity. He credited the government’s proactive measures, including community policing initiatives, which he said have helped deter crime and increase police presence in neighborhoods.
The government, he added, remains committed to transparency in handling security matters, even as the leadership transition within the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda takes shape. While a new commissioner has yet to be appointed, Hurst assured the public that the process is being handled carefully to ensure continuity in policing efforts.
Addressing Concerns Over Missing Persons Cases
Recent high-profile disappearances have sparked public concern, prompting questions about how the government and law enforcement agencies are responding. Hurst reiterated that every case is taken seriously, and police have been actively investigating missing persons reports.
He emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging residents to report suspicious activity and assist law enforcement in keeping their neighborhoods safe. He also highlighted that recent recoveries of stolen vehicles and active police investigations demonstrate the force’s vigilance in tackling crime.
Government’s Focus on Crime Prevention
To further strengthen national security, the government is focusing on:
- Community Policing – Increasing police presence in neighborhoods, particularly in areas prone to criminal activity.
- Technological Support – Expanding surveillance measures to enhance investigative capabilities.
- Skills Training for At-Risk Youth – Encouraging young people to develop technical skills through vocational programs, reducing the likelihood of criminal involvement.
Despite criticisms, the government maintains that Antigua and Barbuda remains one of the safest places in the region and that law enforcement efforts will continue to evolve to meet emerging security challenges.
With a new Police Commissioner expected to be appointed soon, attention will now shift to how new leadership will reinforce the country’s crime prevention strategies and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
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Police don’t even know their role in our community. They think it’s just to drive around showing off the newly bought police vehicles bought with tax payers monies, beat up on the elderly and give tkt.
Citizens going missing left and right, burglars go into homes and schools and take whatever they want and nobody is brought to justice. What we paying taxes for if the govt can’t even keep us safe!
What a joke 🙁
Wondering if there is a serial killer out there randomly kidnapping and killing people. This many missing people in such a short period of time is suspicious.
I wonder which world Max Worst is living in I think it’s time he leaves the scene and they get someone that looks more alive and in tune with what is really going on just go jack
The recent disappearances in Antigua, particularly those involving members of the LGBTQ+ community, have raised significant concerns about safety on the island. Notably, Orden “Passo” David, a well-known LGBTQ+ advocate, has been missing since January 25, 2025.
In light of these events, it’s essential for all residents, especially those within the LGBTQ+ community, including lawyers and politicians who are involved in such lifestyle to take proactive measures to enhance their personal safety:
The government must do more to ensure the safety of citizens—too many people are going missing!
Are there plans to improve surveillance and policing to help prevent these disappearances?
Families of missing persons need more support. What resources are available to help them?
how many more people need to disappear before we see real change?
Are there links between these cases, or is this just an unfortunate coincidence?
I believe there is a serial killer in our midsts.
How is it the police cannot find these people?
Where are the true detectives?
Is there any detectives in the police force?
I think police need to be more effective in doing their work. I can’t understand all these missing people and the whole country just talk for 9 days and then back to business. People in this country is selfish they don’t understand unity, these types of things people should be marching for. Just wait until the wrong person go missing and you all will see the difference.
This place is just a big mess. And we say we are a tourists country. If we can’t protect our own, find them when they go missing, How are going to protect tourists? And a next thing Antiguans love to keep secret. they will know things but because it’s their family and friends they will keep quiet. I am telling you there is some really f***up people in this country.
Such nonsensical comments! How many members of the LGBTQs have been been missing? So @Antigua is home, quit trying to create a cause for which to rebel. When the community chooses to remain tight-lipped about sharing information with the authorities including the police, continues to validate law breakers and wrong-doers so that what blatantly wrong becomes right, chooses the cowards’ easy way out and, cell phone at their disposal, hide behind the anonymity of social media to provoke political ire with useless, baseless , usually politically motivated criticisms, NOTHING WILL CHANGE. Ger off your lazy backside and offer sound suggestions, engage actively towards finding a solution or just STFU! Tired of idiocy!
Sometime back when Gaston was seeking to become the leader of ALP I remember him referring to Lester Bird as a geriatric among other things, I wonder if he now thinks it appropriate he has another geriatric delivering Cabinet notes fooling the people weekly, I wonder how many different pensions he gets, something for the Lickspittle Brigade to ponder while they wallow in the trash for scraps
When are you going to start holding the youths dem accountable? What about the option of charging them as adults for any crime committed using a weapon or for certain crime?
Serial killer don’t hide body so good. Maybe they doing something else with the people dem body or parts of it, like a certain large country’s government is known for
Find di people and dem! Bour defend…
Aryu fu know when to let people talk in peace.
We want to know where the people are in these 108 sq miles.