Prime Minister Gaston Browne, during his 2025 Budget presentation, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to enhancing public safety and addressing crime through a combination of legislative reforms, community engagement, and increased investment in law enforcement.
“Our government has made significant strides to strengthen safety and security for all citizens, residents, and visitors,” Browne said. “We are taking a balanced approach that combines prevention, enforcement, and capacity building.”
The government has allocated substantial resources to equip law enforcement agencies with the tools and training needed to combat crime effectively. Over $2.3 million was spent in 2024 on upgrading police equipment, including vehicles, drones, firearms, and gun detection dogs. For 2025, the government plans to recruit an additional 60 police officers, building on the 69 recruits added in 2024.
The Antigua and Barbuda Fire Service has also been upgraded with the acquisition of five fire tenders, a water tanker, and a ladder truck, valued at $7 million. These will be stationed strategically across the country to ensure rapid response to emergencies.
Further support has been directed to the Antigua Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), which has recruited 200 new soldiers over the past three years. In 2025, the ABDF will receive a $2 million patrol vessel to enhance maritime surveillance and will be equipped with a Coastal Radar System for improved monitoring of the country’s marine space.
The government has introduced significant legislative measures to address criminal activities, including the Anti-Gang Act of 2024, which imposes penalties of up to 15 years for gang leaders and 10 years for members. The act strengthens collaboration between law enforcement agencies to curb gang-related violence.
Additionally, the Small Charges Act of 2024 introduced curfew regulations for minors, holding parents accountable with fines and potential imprisonment. The government has also increased maximum penalties for gun-related crimes, signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal firearms.
“These measures send a clear message: there will be no safe haven for criminal activities in Antigua and Barbuda,” Browne stated.
Recognizing the importance of addressing the root causes of crime, the government has implemented initiatives focused on engaging at-risk youth. Programs like the “Four E’s Strategy”—Education, Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Personal Enhancement—provide opportunities for skill-building and personal growth.
One notable initiative in 2024 was a symbolic “Peace and Love” football match, where former rival gang members came together to demonstrate their commitment to ending violence. The government plans to expand such programs in 2025, using community-driven activities to foster harmony and reduce crime.
Youth-focused centers such as the Antigua Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE) and the Harrison Centre will also provide training opportunities, equipping young people with the skills needed to secure gainful employment.
To improve access to justice, the government completed significant upgrades to the St. John’s Magistrates Court in 2024, adding four new courtrooms to handle cases more efficiently. This aligns with the government’s broader efforts to enhance the capacity of the judiciary and reduce case backlogs.
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Well done
At long long last!
Antiguans have been screaming out from the rooftops for more protective measures from this LOLLYGAGGING, antiquated and slow delivering ABLP government.
Hopefully, night-time and 24 hour policing is introduced as well – it’s now a must!
More REACTIONARY practices by Prime Minister Browne. Better late than never though, mind you that’s why we pay our taxes …
A “football match” is going to reduce crime? We have the dumbest PM in the WI. The only crime reducing measure we want is mass deportations!
You cannot tackle crime properly until you tackle the slack immigration policies in this island.
Too many loop holes in that system for crime to subside in this small place.
This Government doesn’t even know who is in this country right now..I guarantee you that if a sensor is done right now, thousands will be unaccounted for.
Isn’t it just the other day Gatson Browne was peddling the idea of bringing workers from other countries and waiving their permits?
Moves like that does not enhance safety and security in Antigua at all, so I’m woefully confuse as to how they are going to tackle crime without tackling immigration at the same time.
The vetting system for the CIP is weak as hell, and so is the vetting system for thousands of workers they bring into this island. You must close the very loopholes that was created by this very same government, before you can even start talking about tackling crime in Antigua.
Community activities can definitely help to reduce crime among other measures.
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