Police Raise Concern Over Youth Involvement in Gambling and Other Immoral Activities

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ROYAL POLICE FORCE OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Office of Strategic Communications (STRATCOM)
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Police Raise Concern Over Youth Involvement in Gambling and Other Immoral Activities

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, Friday, 20 March 2026

The Police Administration is expressing serious concern over the growing involvement of youths in immoral and unlawful activities, particularly gambling in public spaces.

During routine mobile patrols conducted on Thursday, 19 March, officers attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Task Force carried out extensive patrols across several communities within St. John’s and its surrounding areas.

At approximately 12:45 p.m., police officers responded to suspicious activity at the East Bus Station Terminal, where a group of young men, reportedly dressed in school uniforms, were observed engaging in what appeared to be gambling under a shed.
Upon approach of the police, the individuals fled the scene on foot.

A subsequent search of the area resulted in the recovery of two school bags, which are now in police custody pending further investigations.

The Police Administration views this development with grave concern, particularly as it involves school-aged youths. Such behavior not only contravenes the law but also exposes young individuals to environments that can negatively influence their development and future.

The police are making a strong appeal to parents, guardians, educators, and the wider community to take a more active role in guiding and monitoring the activities of young people.

The Police Administration further advises that patrols will be intensified, especially in and around areas where youths are known to congregate after school hours.
The police will remain vigilant and proactive in addressing any form of unlawful or inappropriate behavior.

The cooperation and assistance of the public are essential in helping to curb this growing concern. Anyone with information related to such activities is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or call the Crimestoppers anonymous hotline at 800-TIPS (8477).

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6 COMMENTS

  3. Find work for the pickyneaga dem do and den dem will tap gamble to find money fah spend. Alot of these kids cant even get a likkle after school work because of bulls**t

  4. The concern is understandable, but we also have to ask a harder question: what meaningful alternatives are many of our young people being given?
    It is not enough to express concern about youth involvement in harmful activities while ignoring the conditions helping to create it. Many of these young people have little access to after-school programs, mentorship, recreation, or safe spaces for growth. Their parents are often stretched thin, working long hours to keep families afloat. We cannot demand discipline, productivity, and good citizenship from young people while offering them so few constructive opportunities. Real change will come when we stop only criticizing the symptoms and start addressing the causes.

  5. Our country has a responsibility, not just to warn about youth misconduct, but to help prevent it. By age 14, our children should be mandatorily engaged in structured good-citizenship programmes, community service, leadership development, sports, skills training, and other positive activities that build discipline, purpose, and belonging. When young people are left idle, unsupported, and under-engaged, many will naturally be drawn toward whatever offers excitement, money, or acceptance, even when it leads them in the wrong direction. If we want a more law-abiding and productive youth population, then we must create systems that guide them there.
    Countries like Singapore and Finland have shown the value of investing in strong youth development systems. These are examples examples of societies where young people are given stronger pathways toward responsibility, inclusion, and growth.

  6. On the reals I have notices the youths are heavy gamblers and they are always hanging out at casinos… It start off with betting on sports then they start trying the machines and just like that hooked… Sometimes they win big but they can’t help trying their luck because it does work out many times but the issue gets worse because without realizing it they be coming heavily hooked to gambling…..

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