Prime Minister: Concert Incident Not Political, Gun Violence Will Be Confronted
The following is a statement from Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne:
I have been deeply concerned by the shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of this morning in the vicinity of a public concert organised by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party.
I note the statement issued by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda confirming that this incident is not politically motivated and is not connected to the event itself. That clarification is important, and the public should take careful note of it.
What occurred was an act of criminal violence, rooted in illegal guns and ongoing disputes, which intruded upon a public gathering. It has no place in our society.
I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the use of illegal firearms, gang activity, and any form of violence that endangers innocent lives and undermines the peace and stability of our nation. Those responsible must be identified, apprehended, and brought before the courts.
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Government has acted decisively to confront this threat. We have strengthened the law, increased penalties for the illegal possession and use of firearms, and intensified efforts to disrupt the importation and circulation of illegal weapons. These measures were taken because gun violence poses a grave threat to public safety, national stability, and the peace of our communities.
Let there be no misunderstanding: there can be no excuse for criminal violence. The use of illegal guns, the pursuit of gang conflict, and the willingness to endanger innocent lives are choices. They will be met with firm and decisive consequences.
In our 2026 Manifesto, The Renaissance: A New Era for Antigua and Barbuda, we have set out a clear and uncompromising commitment. On pages 74 and 75, we pledge that there will be no tolerance for murder, gang violence, or the spread of illegal firearms. We will further strengthen the law, ensure that it is fully enforced, and impose severe penalties on those who traffic in illegal weapons or engage in violent crime.
This is not rhetoric. It is a firm commitment to action.
The safety of the people of Antigua and Barbuda is paramount. My Government will intensify its efforts, in full cooperation with law enforcement and the community, to stamp out this menace and to ensure that our country remains safe and secure for all.
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Dear Prime Minister,
I write to you with a heavy heart, as Antigua and Barbuda stands at a critical juncture. We are witnessing a surge in crime, a rising cost of living, and a community on edge. Your government claims that the United Progressive Party cannot manage this nation, citing the rise in crime—but what we see is a deeper failure of leadership.
The investment program has been a double-edged sword—enriching a few by selling passports, while crime infiltrates our streets. Just the other day, a man was caught with a gun and a silencer after an amnesty meant to disarm the public—and he was given just three years, later reduced to one and a half. This is a grave insult to public safety. And just two weeks ago, we lost two young lives—taken too soon—and last night, four more were shot. Despite all this, there have never been proper gun raids—only drug busts. Who is bringing these guns in? Who is supplying our youth with such deadly tools?
We are watching a government that, rather than addressing this crisis, calls a snap election to stave off the inevitable. They know, in just a few months, the situation will spiral beyond control. As I’ve said before, our cricket fields are denied to young people, controlled by a select few. They have no outlets, no safe spaces to grow. We don’t need just words; we need action. We need a change in government, a change in the violence, and a future that puts people first.
So, I say to you, Prime Minister—make Antigua great again. Enough is enough. We need a government that stands with the people, not one that exploits them. The time for change is now.
Neither the Police or Gaston know the reason behind the gun violence yet, but they both have come to a conclusion as to what wasn’t the cause. WHAT A SET OF PEOPLE. ME MUMA! Only people with clothes pon line, look out fu rain
Gun violence has reached an unacceptable level, placing innocent bystanders at serious risk. A zero-tolerance approach is urgently needed, particularly in light of last night’s incident, which also exposed a significant breach in the security of our leadership