PM Browne Vows Relentless Fight Against Gun Violence in Antigua and Barbuda
In a resolute address to the nation, Prime Minister Gaston Browne reaffirmed his government’s commitment to combat gun violence with unwavering determination. Highlighting the escalating threat of violent crime in the Caribbean, Browne outlined a series of tough measures aimed at curbing gun-related offenses in Antigua and Barbuda.
“We will be firm, we will be unyielding, and we will be relentless in the fight against violence, particularly gun violence,” Browne declared, setting the tone for his address. He emphasized the government’s recent legislative actions, which include stricter sentencing guidelines, extending the maximum penalty for gun crimes to ten years. However, the Prime Minister expressed frustration over court decisions that, in his view, fail to match the severity of the crimes.
“When the courts hand down sentences that seem disproportionate to the gravity of the crime, it leaves us perplexed,” Browne stated, signaling his intent to push for even harsher penalties. He announced plans to introduce new legislation at the next sitting of Parliament, which would increase penalties and tighten bail conditions for those accused of gun crimes, in an effort to keep dangerous individuals off the streets.
Browne also called on the judiciary within the sub-region to reassess sentencing guidelines and bail conditions for gun-related offenses, aligning them with the current realities of crime and violence. Describing the situation as a “public health epidemic” in the Caribbean, he revealed that he has instructed Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin to engage with the Acting Chief Justice on this pressing issue.
“Our goal is to work closely with the judiciary to increase mandatory sentencing for gun crimes and ensure that justice is served swiftly and effectively,” Browne affirmed.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underscored the broader regional context, citing the devastating impact of gun violence in other Caribbean nations, particularly Haiti, where criminal gangs have wreaked havoc on the population. Browne vowed that such a situation would not be allowed to take root in Antigua and Barbuda.
“We will not allow that to happen here—not now, not ever; certainly not under my leadership,” he asserted. “Gangs and those involved in gun violence will not be allowed to hold our people hostage. We will fight them—fire with fire, steel with steel—until they are defeated.”
Prime Minister Browne’s address reflects his administration’s uncompromising stance on tackling gun violence, as the nation braces for stronger measures to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
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Addressing a nation by saying, after they kill you and harm you we will make sure they get tough punishment does nothing to adequately assure nation they will be safe.
Who on earth is Advising the PM in law enforcement, criminology, social science?
I am so disappointed in this speech. Still talking about the nonsense tougher penalties when everybody on planet earth knows for over 75 years research and commonsense shows no matter what penalty exist vicious crimes still occurs frequently as stiffer penalties has never ever deter criminals. Look at the over 10000000 research papers and reality that corroborate this.
Do you remember the 1800s and early 1900 when punishment for theft was death or limb cut off? People were still committing petty theft like crazy. Because stiff punishment never works for criminals who believe they will not be caught, that is literally why they commit they crime, they believe they will not be caught.
So, the issues that would make a sensible person feel assured from this speech was to include how can you eliminate or reduce the chances for vicious crimes to occur.
I know as soon I speak my life is threatened by this particular ABLP BLOGGER that uses numerous moniker but this is my personality. I push hard and repeat when I am confident in what I am saying.
Do you honestly think I am standing up for these points because I want to make enemies? I am doing so because I am confident this will save lives.
@my way.
You 1000% correct.
He is so busy focusing on harsher penalties and blaming the judicial system, instead of focusing on crime prevention, and that is to work on the lacks border patrol and police patrol we have in this island.
But this man is more looking to blame others, instead of looking in the mirror.
This speach gives no comfort to anyone, that the criminals will be shaking in their boots.
This is not even politics anymore..Antigua simply don’t have the people in place that can do the job, plain and simple.
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