Call For Action To Address Rise In Youth Violence
St. John’s Antigua, 13th February 2023 – Violence among the youth of Antigua and Barbuda has become an alarming concern.
The significant increase in gangs, travelling with weapons and other such horrendous acts has resulted in severe injuries and as of recent, young people being remanded to prison.
The National Youth Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda wishes to publicly condemn the unlawful behaviour of some youth who partake in these activities.
While calling on the relevant stakeholders in the public and private sector to swiftly implement a combative and rehabilitative solution for the dreadful situation.
It is important for youths to understand their role in society. Youths are the backbone of our nation. We are one of the main agents for progressive change.
Therefore, these acts of violence and crime pose a serious threat to the security of our country, creating an atmosphere of instability which threatens our peace and safety.
It is also important for youth to live a purposeful life.
Surely, gangs are not the way to go.
The Association also notes that the lack of community sports and recreation also means that many young persons are not wholesomely engaged during after school hours.
As a result, there is a serious gap that needs to be filled.
The NYPAAB has recognized this as a matter of public concern as such we call for urgent action.
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Wait! Skerritt close? Two things must be implemented in Antigua, hanging and carry boys a Skerritt who thinks dem a big man in school. I would add, show dem de documentary called “Scared Straight”, then reserve a cell at 1735, for them and then carry them there for 48 hours and let them see Wah a gwarn at de big house. Just a recommendation. You’re welcome!
I belong to an Antigua Grammar School WhatsApp group. Just last week we discussed this issue at length. Many suggestions were made. One suggestion was for mandatory National Service in some sort of military or para military structure. I was in the SGS Cadet Corps and can confirm how effective the discipline was. The corps molded us into respectful young men. I think National Service can do the same.
Several proposals were tabled for “draft dodging”, which I’ll leave to the politicians or NSOs that conceive and operate this service.
This is good Lester. Having a Mandatory National Service might create a national debate and while some people will use it to further their thoughts that this administration is a dictator, even though the same thing was said of the Spencer administration, it will at least start a national discussion to resolve what seems to be genocide of your black boys.
It makes me wonder about the mentality of people. When things are done in a country that doesn’t gel with some, they resort to ad hominem. Now, it is true at times that men will always try to reinforce their authority on others in a system like ours, but even in other first world nations this is true too, but we should not be so blinded by politics so as not to address an issue of such importance that has consequences for the future.
Lester, your WhatsApp group is exactly what results from genuine concern citizens who brainstorm, get together to discuss real issues with respect and from that many great ideas. This is the power of community. I hope that you guys can draft a proposal and present it to the government and at least get the conversation started.
I grew up going to boys brigade and I credit a lot of the principles of being a good person to being involved with such an organization. This group was the perfect example of what is meant by the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”.
Prayer alone will not solve a problem if we do not act.
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