Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent article titled “Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin says changes will be made to the Child Justice Act to enable youths to be charged as adults for certain crimes” published in Antigua Newsroom.
While I appreciate the need to address youth involvement in serious criminal activities, I believe that the proposed changes to the Child Justice Act warrant careful consideration and a comprehensive approach.
It is indeed disheartening to witness the rise in youth-related offenses that have plagued our society in recent times.
The cases of violence, rape, and armed robbery mentioned in the article are deeply troubling, and it is understandable that the public demands swift and effective action to address these issues.
However, I am concerned that treating young offenders as adults may not be the most appropriate solution.
The Child Justice Act, amended in 2018, was designed to take into account the unique circumstances surrounding juvenile offenders.
It acknowledges the fact that children, particularly those under the age of 14, may be susceptible to external influences and can benefit from rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
By diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system, we have an opportunity to address the root causes of their actions and guide them towards a more positive future.
While it is crucial to ensure that serious offenses committed by young individuals are appropriately addressed, it is equally important to strike a balance between accountability and rehabilitation.
By charging minors as adults, we risk subjecting them to the harsh realities of the adult criminal justice system, which may hinder their chances of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Furthermore, it is essential to consider the extensive research that shows the adolescent brain is still developing, impacting decision-making abilities and impulse control.
Instead of solely focusing on punitive measures, I urge the government and stakeholders to invest in comprehensive approaches that address the underlying factors contributing to youth violence.
This includes strengthening educational and social support systems, providing counseling and mental health services, and promoting community-based initiatives that engage young individuals in constructive activities.
Additionally, efforts should be directed towards enhancing preventive measures such as early intervention programs, community policing, and youth outreach programs that aim to identify and address risk factors before they escalate into criminal behavior.
I believe that by adopting a holistic approach that balances accountability and rehabilitation, we can create a safer and more nurturing environment for our youth while simultaneously addressing the concerns of public safety.
I sincerely hope that the proposed changes to the Child Justice Act will be thoroughly evaluated, taking into account the long-term consequences they may have on our young population.
Together, let us work towards a society that provides second chances, supports rehabilitation, and empowers our youth to make positive choices.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Nameeey
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I don’t know about anyone else but I totally agree with the government charging youths as adults because they know what crime is and they know what they are doing..
So they are to be allowed to terrorise innocent people? No way. They do the crime so they must serve the time. Some of the things these juveniles carry out show they are plain evil and in my opinion should never walk amongst us again.
The precedent has been set in the USA etc and many juvenile offenders are being charged as adults.
So to not charge the youths who commit vicious crimes as an adult is basically letting the youths know they can do as they please without being punished. So you send them to the boys training school where they will do as they are pleased and continue their bad behavior. Whoever oppose to charging a youth as an adult based on the crime committed is a fool. This is why gangs with recruit the younger people to do vicious crimes because nothing will happen to the youthful offenders.
Oh really, let’s see if you still feel the same way if one of these youths kills or rapes one of your family members.
Good point @ my 2 cents. Some of these people maybe need to become victims themselves. Or their mom, wives, daughter, grandmother,, son etc
Let’s see if they will still think these are children
Let’s nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand. The very same lawyers will be defending them when they become hardcore criminals and I do not hope one of their families is at the receiving end of those crimes.
In agreement with the sentiments expressed by Nameeey. The AG did that state there will be consultations
Very eloquent letter. Every educated person who composed it, but a rebutted at 14 years of age however still in development i do believe some actions and behavior of some of theses youths are not diffenseable. There are mischievous behavior which can let them get off with a slap on the risk but then there hardcore crimes that can’t be ignored and need to be eradicated promptly and without doubts. Examples need to be made. Antigua is a much to small of a country to contemplate not resolving this issue right then and there. The punishment should and does need to be proportionate
to the crime regardless of age, further more Take into consideration retaliation from the victims party, if strick decision isnt taken by the government it will invite vendettas and the people will eventually take the law into there own hands. Please preserve or better yet return to the safe calm peaceful days that Antigua usto enjoy.
To the writer of the letter, Nameeey,
I wonder if it was your mother, wife, sister or daughter they raped if you would still have the same attitude.
If it was your son, brother, father and any of your family members, I wonder if you would you still have the same attitude.
In the instance of the 17 year old who killed an innocent person, he was not prosecuted because he was too young. That is the same person who along with his two other friends beat up another kid who now has permanent brain damage.
You have five kids ranging from 13 to 17 who raped and 46 year old woman and you think they shouldn’t be prosecuted as adults? Don’t come with god will protect etc. So far this god hasn’t done a damned thing to protect anyone. All the prayers won’t bring any justice or satisfaction to the victims or their families.
Anyone committing heinous acts like these deserve nothing less that a extremely slow excruciating death. Only when something like this happens to our politicians or their families will something be done about it. Until then, “the little slap on the wrist and don’t do it again” way of dealing with these ruthless animals will continue. The punishment has not fit the crimes for decades.
Victims are now victims of the law too. Look at how innocent people are having to stay indoors and lock their houses and windows to be safe and the criminals are walking around and doing as they like. It should be the other way around. They should be either locked up or executed and the rest of us law abiding citizens can walk wherever and at whatever time we choose without having to worry about being a victim of some crime.
The criminals have all the rights and victims have none. The politicians, law makers and even the jacka$$ civil rights activists are all apparently good with all this. That is until it happens to either themselves or their family.
I agree with the writer. And I will add, If the government is allowed to do this, it is just a matter of time before impregnating a 13 year old will NOT be a crime. After all they will be treated like adults now.
Let’s stop the laziness and get to the root of the problem.
@ Nameey I do agree with some of the comments you made and I believe the government and especially the parents has drop the ball. However, I think there should be a change and apply it based on its merits and circumstances. Alot of these young people are deliberate and know exactly what they’re doing! The full extent of the law needs to be applied! If it was YOUR daughter, sister, aunty, friend or Mother who got raped by a bunch of kids who just learning how to bade, u would want justice!!
@ Nameey, your article appears to be well written from the American playbook where all the social service working believe they are doing a wonderful job. Guess what, it does not work there; so do you believe it will work here?
I do believe in rehabilitation but this should be based on the crime committed, not the age. I also do not think the present jail system provides for rehabilitation and re-integration and this should be a process for minor offenders, for both adults and juveniles.
But when juveniles before they can take up guns and knifes and attack innocent people and then get away FREE because they are under-age, I have a problem with that. In some cases, the court sends them to a social worker and they just go through the process without any interest to change.
If his young mind was not fully developed, why didnt he turn the gun on himself rather than killing the man? Don’t you think he knew what he was doing.
They must be irradicated from our society. Law abiding citizens have a right to live in peace. How the hell did reckless young people get access to guns?
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