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Business owners and ordinary citizens across Antigua and Barbuda are increasingly seeking firearm licenses, citing heightened fears over crime and personal safety.
Officials at the Firearms Licensing Unit have reported a recent uptick in applications from both entrepreneurs and private individuals.
The trend comes amid a spate of armed robberies, home invasions, and violent attacks that have unsettled communities and raised concerns about public security.
Shopkeepers, contractors and small business operators say they feel particularly at risk, especially as cash transactions remain widespread. “Every day we hear about another robbery,” said one downtown retailer.
“We can’t just wait for the police to arrive after something happens. We need to protect ourselves.”
But the surge in applications extends beyond the business sector. Professionals, retirees and other residents have joined the queue at the licensing office.
One applicant told the BBC: “I never thought I would apply for a firearm, but when criminals are bold enough to set up fake roadblocks and break into homes, you have to think differently about safety.”
The rise has sparked debate over whether arming civilians will enhance protection or lead to further violence.
Security analysts warn that long-term solutions lie in stronger policing, improved technology such as surveillance systems, and community-based initiatives rather than a wider spread of firearms.
Authorities have confirmed the increase in applications but stressed that the vetting process remains strict, requiring background checks, psychological assessments and clear justifications before licenses are issued.
The development highlights the growing anxiety felt across Antigua and Barbuda as crime dominates national headlines.
For many residents, the question goes beyond self-defence, touching on whether the country can preserve its reputation as a safe place to live, work and visit.
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I can attest that the vetting process is veryyyy rigorous and I applaud them for that.
Can’t blame people for wanting to protect themselves and id things continue like it is the whole ah Antigua might line up for a firearm toi
It would be a most progressive move , given the state of gun-play in Antigua, if persons could be offered training in the safe and effective use of firearms, including practical courses in the use of of guns. Business owners, home owners (including single women heads of households) and persons living in crime-infested communities should be given priority. The Gun-Range can be used for the practical component of a course to be a prerequisite for the granting of a gun license. Citizens should have the right to protect life and limb against these criminals who decide to make their living by preying on defenseless, innocent citizens and residents.
While I see both sides, those against and those for, my issue is that majority of those people who are granted licenses, do not go to any of the ranges to either level up their skill set, or just to keep their skills fresh. There should either be some form of recertification or police work with the gun ranges/clubs where that person is given a letter stating they have done x amount of range time. There should also be a minimum requirement. Way too often I have seen people practice to pass the exam, get their license and you never see them at the range again. Then they pop up out the blue months/years later, and can’t hit the broad side of a barn. That is very concerning to me. So while I advocate for more firearms being issued, I believe it should come with that requirement.
The police are wholly and solely responsible for the surge in applications for gun licenses.
Their ineffectiveness in tackling gun crime has forced residents to believe that guns will solve the problem.
It will not.
The criminal attacking the decent citizen even if he has ten guns is always more prepared than the law abiding citizen.
You could have ten guns in your house and you are asleep when the criminal enters, they mean nothing.
In England, gun crimes are very very far and few in between.
In fact there is no record of a gun crime in England over the past ten to fifteen years.
That’s because there is no gun on the street to terrorize the law abiding citizens.
That’s because the police never allowed guns to enter the country like they are a basic necessity.
If our police had vigorously targeted illegal guns we would not be living in fear of gun welding criminals.
The government compounded the problem when they took away all sea vessel from the police.
While we have a coast guard the police should also have a vessel to patrol our borders.
Antigua has a thousand of unprotected inlets.
The army with one vessel cannot secure us.
That’s where and why I call for the government to invest in the poice so as to prevent the entry of illegal firearms.
St Vincent just invested in a container xray⁴and machine to tackle the influx of unlicensed firearm.
What is the powerhouse doing to deal with it.
Criminals do as much as the state will allow to happen.
The people need to hold their government responsible.
Sadly if their leaders offer each supporter an silenced firearm all will gladly accept.
We get the government we deserve and the government gives us what we tolerate!!!!!!!
What are the rates of other crimes? Eg stabbings? If you look at the stabbings rate in the US vs stabbings in the UK, I’m pretty sure you will see a big difference. So why is no one trying to band knives or reduce the amount of knives? When people used fertilizer to make bombs, where was the decision to reduce the amount of fertilizer?
The bottom line is that when people want to do bad, they will find a way to do bad with whatever they have? While there is no 100% way to stop crime, citizens should have the right to defend themselves the best was possible based on what the threat level is for their demographic.
Also, if you think these illegal firearms are only coming on containers, you must be nuts. Criminals will always find a way. If you prevent them at the port, they will bring them in somehow. Let’s also not discount the possibility of rogue workers at the port. Not saying they are cause I don’t know them, but that’s still a possibility that exists.
The reality of it all is that when you restrict law abiding citizens, that only helps the criminals.
Just earlier this year the police commissioner fixed his mouth to say that crime was down in Antigua.
Somebody cuff he gimme please.
I can attest that the vetting process is veryyyy rigorous and I applaud them for that.
Can’t blame people for wanting to protect themselves and id things continue like it is the whole ah Antigua might line up for a firearm toi
Well surly not everyone who apply will get it. This signals fear in the hearts of our people
This country is slipping out of control. When law-abiding citizens feel the need to arm themselves, it means the criminals have already won.
Some people depend on weapons because they believe they have no other choice
Man, crime getting too outta hand now. Every week is some robbery or invasion. We cyah live so. People arming up ’cause dem nah feel safe inna dem own country
More guns, neither solve nor stop crimes nor criminality.
More work for lawyers.
The politicians and them have to stop this portrayal of conspicuous consumption and the romanticizing of white mafia rich folks as validation of economic powerhouse that intimidate and alienate the youths to try achieve riches overnight like the politicians, building big houses and many cars and taking to the media to announce the millions they accumulate overnight , the youths are not stupid how that is done, not by gun except for the guns pointed at barbudans to let PLH and other white people occupy their beach front lands, the politicians thief it from the semiliterate tax payers of this country.