Editorial: Antigua and Barbuda Cannot Afford to Normalise Violence Against Its Business Community
The killing of businessman George “Charlie” Barnes on Friday night has shaken Antigua and Barbuda. His death outside his Otters residence is not an isolated act of violence but part of a troubling pattern that has left the nation’s business community increasingly under siege.
In recent weeks, the island has witnessed a series of robberies, burglaries, and armed attacks targeting entrepreneurs and professionals. Businessmen have been assaulted at ATMs, stripped of cash in public view, and left injured by masked assailants. Small shops, gas stations, and bakeries have also suffered. The consistency and boldness of these crimes suggest something more serious than sporadic lawlessness: a growing trend that undermines both public safety and national confidence.
This escalation carries profound consequences. Entrepreneurs and business owners are not only private citizens—they are the backbone of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy. They provide jobs, drive investment, and keep local commerce alive. When they are singled out, the risks extend well beyond individual loss. Fear erodes trust in the security environment, discourages investment, and casts doubt over the island’s reputation as a safe destination for tourism and foreign capital.
The government has acknowledged the crisis. Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced plans to install 200 surveillance systems and has introduced harsher penalties for violent crime. Citizens, however, are demanding more immediate measures: a stronger and more visible police presence in vulnerable areas, proactive investigations, and the assurance that justice will be swift.
What is at stake is not only the safety of business leaders but the stability of Antigua and Barbuda’s social and economic fabric. The nation cannot afford to let criminal violence become the new normal.
Friday’s tragedy should be a turning point. Whether it becomes one depends on the resolve of authorities to restore security and the confidence of a shaken public.
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Girl Antiguanewsroom never fail to eduentertain me. I truly hope there’s some sort of justice for our business community!!! It’s too many times we’ve seen business people suffer deaths or robbery and little to nothing is done. RIP once again Mr. Barnes
Another stella piece by Antiguanewsrom love the narrative. Hopefully we will get help for our businessmen.
Bottom line, we need to get rid of the shitty administration, these are people who only care about enriching themselves, the will talk a good talk but can’t walk the talk and the majority of their supporters are as blind a Budah
This wasn’t murder this was a clear ASSINATUON aka an organized HIT….He wasn’t robbed of anything besides his life…..did it ever said they took monies …etc NO ….
SO CALL IT WHAT IT IS “A HIT” ….BUSINESS MEN ARE BEING TARGETED…1ST ASOT now CHARLIE whose next ……
Antigua has become a cest pool of murders and the government needs to do more cas clearly dem not doing enuff..
Then theives will get what Ticks got… die without known cause…everyone one of you…so enjoy the money while you can because it won’t last…neither will your lives…karma is real
Geared up to read something meaningful only to be disappointed by this garbage. Change the title from editorial to bedtime story telling.