Opposition MP Richard Lewis Criticizes Government’s Response to Rising Crime in Antigua and Barbuda
Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Richard Lewis has voiced strong criticism of the current government’s approach to tackling crime in Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking on rising crime rates, Lewis expressed frustration with the lack of action by the Attorney General and the government in addressing what he described as a growing crisis gripping the nation.
“I raised my voice over a year ago, and again four months ago, calling on the Attorney General to take decisive action to curb the rising crime situation,” Lewis said. “But my calls, like those of many others, have fallen on deaf ears.”
The MP lamented the government’s apparent reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue with the opposition, claiming that the administration prefers to tackle the issue in isolation.
“Crime and violence are gripping this society, and they seem to have no answer. The government appears to be saying they don’t want to hear from the opposition—they will do it their own way. But this isn’t just their way; it concerns everyone.”
Lewis also took issue with the Prime Minister’s recent decision to engage directly with gang members in an effort to address the crime wave. He questioned the wisdom of this approach, saying, “Where in the world do you see a leader of any nation negotiating with criminals like this? It’s as though they’ve taken the role of the police into their own hands.”
Lewis emphasized that while he supports intervention for individuals seeking to turn their lives around, any such efforts should involve trained professionals and multiple stakeholders.
“If people want to change their lives, there must be an intervention that includes the police, social services, and gang intervention specialists. But what we see now lacks any of that. It’s just the Prime Minister acting on his own accord.”
The opposition MP also raised concerns about the message being sent to the public.
He questioned whether the government is providing similar support to law-abiding citizens who struggle to find employment and face hardship. “What happens to the individual who has chosen the straight and narrow path but is frustrated and can’t get a job? Is the Prime Minister prepared to meet with them and offer them hope, or are we telling people that the only way to get attention is by turning to a life of crime?”
Lewis is urging the government to reconsider its approach to crime-fighting and to prioritize a strategy that involves all relevant parties in society, while offering real support to those in need before they are driven to criminal activity.
LISTEN TO LEWIS HERE:
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It’s unfortunate that the MP for a constituency (SJRW) which one of the gangs are apparently from is more comfortable by saying let the police lock them up rather than helping them.
It also seems as if he has evidence that these individuals are the ones involved in the crimes that are plaguing our society. I was expecting to hear the MP suggesting that he should be apart of those discussions in an effort to save many of these young men who reside in his very constituency.
Is it that he too have given up on them? One would further ask where was the MP to engage these very young men and what has he done to engage them.
I personally would have loved to see a unified approach (to include the MP) in the engagement and resolution of this feud.
this is Richard Lewis to a tee….he a ALL OF SELF AND NONE OF THEE!!! dont trust him simple you see him there. nobody tarl SLY so!! He all about himself. Dat y ppl choose Jammarl over him even tho everyday he on facebook cussing out the PM…..de ppl nah chupit….dem can tell a horse from an ass…..
the people who voted for you at leadership convention critizing you for meeting with Labour Party miisters….trying to get Ambassdor to Jamaica role coz Gizzy stressing you out
Funny you don’t have anything to say about this: https://antiguanewsroom.com/two-jamaican-women-to-be-deported-after-assaulting-immigration-officer-at-vc-bird-international-airport/
This is why I can’t trust or believe anything that ABLP supporters write on these ANR threads.
I recently highlighted that the Gaston Browne and the ABLP should reach out and collaborate with the UPP.
I was informed that they did; however the Most Honourable Richard Lewis has now confirmed that government didn’t want to cooperate or reach out to the UPP.
GASTON’S STUBBORNNESS IS THE PROBLEM
These crimes must be tackled on a bipartisan basis.
* IF * upp had won in 2014, they would have disposed of richard lewis. Even now plans to undermine him continue…Elitist elements within the party have no love or use for him. For some strange reason, his wife’s nationality is a big issue. going as far as posting in the women’s chat not to support richard because they don’t want any [insert wife’s nationlaity here] in “arwe subben”
Yet…he continues to delude himself into thinking that he is wanted by “the leadership within the leadership” of upp. Once they are not for you, you’re basically done with. Over their dead body and the chairman dead body will richard ever get anywhere in them party.
Sadly, he is too weak, cowardly and spineless to make the right decision. As they say “go where you are appreciated, not tolerated”.
oh shut up! You just vex anna you!!! not a thing you do but fly out to Jamaica and leave your constituency behind!
oppose for opposing sake gone out of style long time!!! jealousy and badmind not healthy richard
Amen, amen, amen! This useless ALP government is cuddling the foreign criminal gangs destroying the country. The PM has disgraced his office by meeting with these animals.
I believe Richard should have kept quiet on this matter. Even if no other PM has used this strategy before (according to his cohost) that does not make it a bad idea.
I will admit that the PM’s move was highly unconventional, but this is the very nature of leadership – be willing to go outside the box. If you cannot create anything new, then you are just a follower.
Thus far, it appears that the PM’s effort has brought about positive change. It is still early in the game but at least the PM has placed action to his idea. Richard, what alternative have you stated different from praying? Prayers do work and your answers will come in different forms. Perhaps your prayer was answered – maybe the Almighty sent the PM to solve the issue for you.
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