LETTER: Increase in criminal activity in Antigua and Barbuda a concerning issue

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The increase in criminal activity in Antigua and Barbuda, particularly in the St. John’s Rural South constituency is a concerning issue that stems from various challenges faced by the residents.

The lack of economic opportunities, coupled with rising prices of goods and services, has put a strain on the community. Additionally, the absence of adequate support for law enforcement further exacerbates the situation, leaving residents vulnerable to criminal acts.

It is evident that the ABLP  Gaston Brown led administration has not prioritized initiatives to uplift the livelihoods of the people in these areas.

The minimal wage in Antigua and Barbuda has not seen an increase to align with the rising cost of living, making it difficult for individuals to make ends meet.

This disparity between income and expenses creates a breeding ground for criminal activities to thrive.

The St. John’s Rural South constituency, characterized by a high level of poverty, lacks essential social programs and support systems that could help address the root causes of crime.

The demolition of a potential community center further highlights the neglect of the area in terms of social infrastructure and community development.

The inadequate police presence in the constituency, with the closest police station located in Rural West, to monitor a large population, is insufficient to effectively combat criminal activities.

Law enforcement officials themselves lack the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties effectively, putting both their lives and the safety of the community at risk.

To address the spike in criminal activity and ensure the safety of residents, it is imperative to establish a manned police hub within the St. John’s Rural South constituency.

A dedicated police presence in the area would not only deter criminal behavior but also foster community relationships and trust.

By building strong bonds between law enforcement and the community, residents can actively participate in crime prevention efforts and contribute to their own safety.

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Moreover, the implementation of community watch programs and educational initiatives by the police can empower residents with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their neighborhoods.

It is crucial for the ABLP administration, especially the elected representative, Minister Daryl Mathew, to acknowledge the urgent need for increased security measures and allocate resources to support law enforcement efforts in these vulnerable areas.

In conclusion, the call to establish a police hub in St. John’s Rural South is not just a request for improved security but a demand for the fundamental right to safety and protection for all residents.

By investing in community policing and creating a supportive environment for law enforcement, we can work towards deterring crime, enhancing public safety, and building a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come.

Jermaine N. Edwards
Community Advocate
St. John’s Rural South

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13 COMMENTS

  1. Stop writing and begin to organise demonstrations calling for the removal of Cutie and Rodney. Everyone is just complaining and obviously they do not care. And the main stream media is not reporting these daily crimes unless they steal the news from Real News.
    Cutie does not care. The Commissioner, in addition to being incompetent and indifferent, is more on vacation or off island than at work. And the people continue to be traumatised. I suppose they will only act when a travel advisory is issued and tourism begins to be affected. By then it may be too late. We are bringing thousands of people here for the SIDs Conference, who will be housed islandwide, so there will be no way of securing them. Let even one get robbed or injured or killed and then we will see the headlines and the gnashing of teeth.

    • True … we are very reactionary in Antigua. But even so, the crime problem should have caused us to react with solutions, but nothing.

      Yes, establish a police hub in St. John’s Rural South RIGHT NOW!

      AND PRAY AND KEEP PRAYING FOR OUR NATION, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA…

  2. Absolutely correct @ Jermaine Edwards!

    Concerned Antiguans have been shouting from the rooftops for something to be done by the relevant authorities to curtail these rising crime rates, but to no avail.

    We’ve had break-ins; daylight and night-time robberies; a notable rise in youth violence; increases in rape and gun crimes; and in recent times the notable increases in tourists being robbed.

    I have no idea idea whatsoever, why our Police Commissioner Attlee Rodney; the Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin or the Prime Minister Gaston Browne will just not address these major criminal concerns.

    Is it a lack of manpower, funding (although we’ve been told by the PM that the country is now an economic powerhouse), or simply a case that the three of them just don’t care or give a damn?

    Antigua & Barbuda URGENTLY requires better protection measures …

  3. Start helping yourselves friend. Organize neighborhood watches and be your brother’s keepers. These days, security cameras are a dime a dozen online and most households have internet access. Everyone closes their doors and forget about their neighbors.Let’s start looking out for each other. We can do this.

    • On point!!! We can’t get free security at our houses using tax payers money.. so, who cares? We might as well become our own security and go back to the days when we looked out for each other.

    • have you not seen any security camera footage of people house or business getting robbed? the cameras are there but it’s not a deterrent anymore.

    • Yes, Neighborhood Watches and camaraderie should be a thing in every community, and I would add regardless of whether there is sufficient police and military protection.

  4. Don’t wait for the Administration to provide and train adequate law enforcement to protect the nationals of the country. Antigua Policemen are Jumbie Crabs in Government Uniforms. Each village need to establish their own Community Policing in order to maintain quality of life and reduce crime. Use less cash and more Debit/Credit Cards. Secure homes and businesses with Surveillance Equipment. Attach body (Go Pro) cameras and record any suspicious activities.

  5. “Criminals will NOT implement anything to catch themselves!”

    … so it is left up to we the people … just dropping this truth bomb here … take it how you will.

  6. Wait, it’s just the other day the ABLP govt say there is a DECREASE in crime because all the young men are gainfully employed in construction. So they lied? Tell me this isn’t so Tenman. If you cannot then you must accept what reasonable citizens have been saying, that is: ABLP is a lying, wicked and conniving govt.
    In terms of protection, people do what you can to protect yourselves because the govt that most of you voted in, only interested in their personal “creative enrichment”.

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