Prime Minister Gaston Browne Urges National Security Agencies to Intensify Crime-Fighting Efforts Amid Rising Concerns
In a decisive address to National Security agencies, Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized the urgent need to strengthen efforts against criminal activities that threaten the peace and security of Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking at a high-level meeting held this morning, Prime Minister Browne highlighted the country’s growing significance as a premier tourism destination within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and beyond, stressing the importance of maintaining a secure environment for both residents and visitors.
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Prime Minister Gaston Browne Urges National Security Agencies to Intensify Crime-Fighting Efforts Amid Rising Concerns
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“Antigua and Barbuda is emerging as one of the most significant tourism destinations within the OECS and beyond,” Browne stated. “It is crucial that we keep our country secured to protect lives and livelihoods. We cannot allow criminal elements within our society to continue terrorizing our people.”
The Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the increasing sense of fear among citizens, who feel that criminals are gaining the upper hand. However, he conveyed confidence in the nation’s capacity to combat crime, citing the availability of resources, expertise, superior intelligence, and the ability to develop effective strategies.
“I am convinced that we have the resources, the expertise, the equipment, and the superior intelligence to develop the strategies and programs to defeat these criminal elements,” Browne affirmed. “My directive to law enforcement agencies and all supporting agencies is to lift our game, show greater commitment to crime-fighting, and take the fight to these criminal elements.”
Browne made it clear that his administration is committed to utilizing all available resources to ensure that these criminal elements are defeated. He stressed that maintaining stability and security is paramount to the continued progress of Antigua and Barbuda, which has seen significant development in recent years.
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The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of an “all-of-society approach” to effectively address crime, urging public engagement and cooperation in providing information that could aid in crime-fighting efforts. He highlighted ongoing measures to strengthen surveillance, including the introduction of more cameras and increased resources for law enforcement.
“Every law enforcement officer should understand that they have the full backing of the Cabinet and my administration,” Browne asserted. “No one should feel timid about exercising their duties. We are standing fully behind law enforcement to defeat these criminal elements.”
In a stern message to those who might underestimate the seriousness of the situation, Prime Minister Browne warned that any leadership within law enforcement lacking the will to fight crime with full commitment would be encouraged to resign. He emphasized the government’s determination to fight crime with the necessary force, declaring, “We are fighting fire with fire and steel with steel.”
Addressing concerns about youth delinquency, Browne called for tougher measures against young offenders involved in criminal activities, particularly those associated with gangs. He urged law enforcement to break up gangs and ensure that these individuals are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their age.
The Prime Minister also touched on the issue of criminal elements entering the country, noting that immigration authorities must be vigilant in preventing such individuals from infiltrating society. He underscored the importance of deporting immigrants who pose a security threat, reiterating that Antigua and Barbuda must remain a safe haven for all.
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Browne acknowledged that some might attempt to politicize his statements, but he insisted that the security of the nation’s people takes precedence over any political considerations. “The issue of the security of our people is of utmost importance, and it goes beyond any form of political preservation,” he said.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Browne reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing law enforcement with the necessary resources to tackle crime effectively. He urged the population to have confidence in the government’s efforts to restore peace and security, assuring them that decisive action would be taken to defeat criminal elements and maintain Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a safe and tranquil destination.
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Background on the Crime Situation:
Antigua and Barbuda has recently experienced a surge in criminal activities, particularly violent crimes, that have raised concerns among citizens and authorities alike. The government has responded by increasing support for law enforcement, but the persistence of crime has prompted calls for more aggressive and comprehensive strategies.
Key Measures Announced:
- Increased Surveillance: The introduction of more surveillance cameras and enhanced monitoring systems.
- Resource Allocation: The government has pledged additional funds for law enforcement, including the purchase of more firearms and ammunition.
- Youth Crime: A focus on dismantling gangs and holding young offenders accountable.
- Immigration Control: Strengthened measures to prevent criminal elements from entering the country and swift deportation of those who pose a threat.
Public Response:
While the Prime Minister’s strong stance has been welcomed by many, it has also sparked debate on the balance between security measures and civil liberties. The effectiveness of these new strategies will be closely watched as the government implements its plans to restore peace and order in Antigua and Barbuda.
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Take notes Pringle. this is how a LEADER speaks. You had a script and you still messed it up
https://antiguanewsroom.com/opposition-leader-jamale-pringle-address-on-crime/
Chalk to CHEESE
This was interesting to watch.
One of the things the PM said was “…to take the fight to these criminal elements and defeat them”. Let’s hope so Mr. PM but you need to move quickly. Get the Defense Force out there, visibly and covertly, to assist the police force in identifying and dealing with these criminals whether they are Antiguan born or from somewhere else. Take the gloves off.
Regardless to our political affiliation, let us join the WAR AGAINST CRIMINALS! Very happy that the PM is taking the lead on this war.
WHERE ARE THE EXPERTS IN NATIONAL SECURITY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE TO DEAL WITH THIS SOCIAL PROBLEM THAT IS A NATIONAL SECURITY PROBLEM
It is time expert in the field of social science that includes criminology, sociology, law, psychology, national security, etcetera are included in these vital meetings where strategies are talked about and implemented.
I am not happy with this speech telling me what I already know about tourism. I want this topic to be mainly about crime prevention, opportunities to commit crime reduction strategies, etcetera.
I am not happy with the SPEECH and I am NOT happy with who were excluded from the national security council. EXPERTS WITH ADVANCE DEGREE OF KNOWLEDGE IN THIS AREA WAS NOT PRESENT.
Please show me one. Please, that is an expert in this field.
We urgently need to find ways to promote and strengthen family values in the homes. Fathers must be encouraged to play a more active role in their children’s lives. The church has its part to play. They need to be seen to be doing more than collecting offerings. We cannot escape the fact that many parents have lost total control over their kids today. So many of these young girls live in homes without a father figure and some of the mothers are out hustling themselves in order to make ends meet. The signal that is sent to the kids is a dangerous and grim one, but one that pays well. As a result, even the children are doing their own hustling. Many of these teen girls are engaged in prostitution and are being taken advantaged of by adult men. Money talks!. The boys are out engaging in their own criminal hustle. We have to quit waiting until something serious happens in order to address these situations. The recent of criminal activities and murders has rocked the nation to its core and it does need a national effort in order to bring us out of this hole.
Why wasn’t UPP present isn’t fighting these losers criminals elements losers everyone concerns UPP should be at the table and put politics aside for once Antigua Safety is for ALL of us
ANTIGUA is under seige and we MUST take it back from these losers who want us to fear them and crawl under our beds
WHY THE FK DONT WE HAVE AN INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE IN THE TOWN AND IN THW VILLAGES ????
ANTIGUA IS FIRST KUNTRY I KNOW WHERE ALL THE POLICE WORK 8am to 5 pm.. ..AND HOME IN THEY BED BY 6oclock …
THE ONLY TIME YOU SEE POLICE OVERNIGHT IS AT ALL THE ALL INCLUSIVE FETE TO GO TO FREE SHOWS ..
DO YALL JOB THE MOST POLICE IS NEEDED FROM 6pm-11 am — THOSE SHOULD BE THE HEAVIEST SHIFTS
Mr. PM, start by rounding up all the undesirable people YOU let into our country. Send them back to wherever you got them from. Is that Institution for delinquent minors ready to be opened? If not, you’re taking to long. How can you talk about having concerts and building another hotel with tax payers money when there are so many problems that need addressing. The problem with your government is that there is a lot of talk but no action. YOU ALL SAT BACK ENRICHING YOURSELVES AND IGNORED THE CRIES OF THE PEOPLE. NOW YOUNG GIRLS ARE BEING KILLED AND YOUNG MEN GO MISSING.
Well, better late than never Prime Minister Browne. However, the opposition should have been invited to this NATIONAL EMERGENCY meeting.
Working in unison would have opened a real dialogue for a full pronged approach against these criminal menaces who are wilfully trying to destroy the fabric of our once wholesome society.
The criminal fraternity have declared war on the innocent and hardworking Antiguans; and in war the country needs everyone who is fit and able on board to fight back. MASA …
Make Antigua Safe Again
Firstly crime have been going on for months and they didn’t have any press briefing nothing at all. Now because one of the alleged robbers was a non national they shift the focus to stay ppl coming in the country to do crime when it was their responsibility from day one to protect the citizens and to make it worst this is just a 9 day talk.so my antiguan ppl don’t do crime too
WE ARE IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY. ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – THE TWIN NATION IS IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY. What other name can be used to describe what is happening. What else need to happen to realize and accept that: * the shooting and death of a father and son that took place at a bus station the night of Carnival Tuesday, * the on-going robberies by masked and armed men, * the vicious stabbing, killing a young man found lying in a pool of blood * the gruesome killing of a 16 year old teenager * and then just yesterday Sunday August 17, 2024, the assassination and dismembering of the body of just a child, yes a 15 year old teenager, abused and killed thereafter, that gave the community at least the majority of us sad, worried, wondering what to do, what to say and what next will happen and to whom, since it id getting nearer to home, although some seem indifferent and think all this would not affect them or their family, so why the big fuss. Others are blaming the parents and the victims. To all those I say… keep on being careful and wish them well. The parents are not ‘new’ parents; the victims part of our society for the amount of years before their demise are nit to blame because what is really ‘new’ is the present state of crimes in Antigua. All the killings and robberies mentioned above have happened in the last 11 (eleven) DAYS with one exception. So, isn’t this something we can call A STATE OF EMERGENCY situation simple because it is escalating and not only that, but becoming worse, horrific, like never seen or heard of in Antigua. With all due respect I say: ‘ Let us don’t blame. It doesn’t solve the problems. We don’t want another teen girl to go through this and apparently these girls are not understanding the seriousness of what is happening; maybe they’re highly motivated or amazed by their perpetrators. They need our help. One way we see fit, is for the government to implement an immediate CURFEW AT 9:00pm FOR ALL MINORS 18 YEARS OLD AND UNDER FOR A PERIOD OF TIME IR YNTIL OTHER EFFECTIVE MEASURES ARE IN PLACE, OR THE CRIMINALS ARE FOUND. IF NOTHING ELSE, WE WILL HELP ALL PARENTS TO CREATE AWARENESS (OR GOOD ANGER) AMONG THE CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS. If they’re out and about without their parents, they will be taken to the different police stations nearby. Sounds harsh? Harsh are the feelings in our minds and worries about the victims and their families and about what can happen next. So, can we help to prevent more until stronger actions are in place for protection and finding the culprits; dismantle gangs and discover the apparently organized group of people or let’s say gangsters with their own yet unknown motives (maybe to unsettle the nation and its people or other reasons, have we thought abiut that? It is that serious. I will pick up as good something just mentioned here by a gentleman; CAN THE SCOTLAND YARD (OR SIMILAR ORG.)BE BROUGHT IN FOR JUST A SHORT PERIOD TO ASSIST AND STOP THE MADNESS THAT HAVE ALL OF US, THE WHOLE COUNTRY CONCERNED? IT WILL BE FOR ASSISTING, NOT DIMINISHING ANYONE OR NATIONAL ANYTHING? IS THERE MONEY FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS? AN EXTREME MEASURE IN EXTREME TIMES OF VIOLENCE THAT ARE TARNISHING THE NATION’S REPUTATION, WELLBEING, SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND, AND EVENTUALLY, IF NOT ALREADY, AFFECTING OUR ECONOMY; ALONGSIDE TARGETING OUR PRECIOUS YOUNGSTERS. Submitted with the best of intentions and non-political sentiments. *Note – even though and with all the alarm and events , a robbery took place in a small restaurant overnight or very early this morning… they feel no treat, not scared, nothing – why is this I ask? 🤫🤔
@Lynn. Did you forget to take your medication this morning? Calm down! Your attention seeking theatrics are not welcome.
He can speak all he wants, he has absolutely no clue of what to do, but he should, because on the weekend, he told the world that he is privy to information on contract killing. IS THIS GUY FOR REAL? I think he’s on an overdose of something other than what was prescribed to him.
R@Y JON JUST PUT ON YAH UNIFORM AND COME TACKLE THESE LIKKLE BWOYS!!
@Lynn, I do not want to say you are correct but you are correct. It will only get worse and there are no effective strategies that not only captures/apprehend but also reduces opportunities.
What is happening is genuinely serious and is a matter of national security. This would be the time a special unit would take over. The frequency, right after a shooting from police, shows there is no effective deterrence and opportunity reduction strategies being used. I am begging them to listen to me.
Well well…talk about putting rats to guard cheese. Lol.
The recent events involving the robbery that started off in Parham and ended with fatal outcomes in Ebenezer and the sickening killing of a young lady whose body was found at Runner Away Bay must be viewed as abhorrent.
However, the signs of these events have been there for a long time, but the PM and his administration have been too busy with enriching themselves whilst our young people are badly neglected.
Cost of living has soared out of proportion, contrary to the government’s claims of a vibrant economy, the outcomes from such claims are not reflected throughout the country.
Low income families are deeply struggling to make ends meet, consequently, young people are disillusioned and are easy prey to drugs addiction and crime.
Of course, the PM is right, young people must be made accountable for their actions and the law should be applied accordingly. However, the PM and his team need to come up with a sustainable plan of actions to address the problems, for example, what is his administration commitment to tackling the reduction of poverty in the country?
In addition, what is his administration going to do about mending the broken and ineffective immigration services? They are far too many illegal immigrants in Antigua, and far too many criminals immigrants are being allowed to enter the country.
How does his administration justified keeping an ex British policeman who has been convicted of rape in air conditioning facilities at Camp Blizzard, television, and allowed to take taxi to go to and from the shopping mall and having a pet? The ex British Cop committed a serious crime and should have been housed at 1335 and treated like any other criminal with similar offence.
It’s hoped the PM and his team will take decisions and work towards bringing corruption to an end, as the root problems that governed our country today is as the results of corruption that has plagued our land.
They are nationals living in the USA, and the UK who have declared they would never returned to Antigua because of the corruption and the lawlessness that governed our homeland today.
Antiguans living abroad, especially, those of retiring age should not be in the postion where they feel scared of returning to their homeland, a country where their foreparents chopped and cleared wild tamarind and casie trees to make Antigua what it’s today. Therefore, his administration has a duty to reassured those disillusioned nationals.
It’s high time that his administration set about and restore hope to our people. It’s commendable that his administration has acknowledged the efforts of our police services and have issued firm warnings to criminal gangs that the police will have government backings with combating criminal activities.
It’s anticipated that government officials will be treated in the same vein and faced the full force of the law where they are found wanting. After all good governance must commenced from the top.
Antigua deserves better.
This is the first time I can recall not hearing Gaston cast responsibility on the UPP. It is clear that he cannot dodge and hide this time. He’s bumping his head all around like a caterpillar that has no plans. The Opposition wasn’t invited and it’s all good for them because deep within, he’s still looking a way out by blaming them. This is a MAN’S job and it’s evident that he’s unable to be effective so he might be better off packing up and Antigua and Barbuda will be the better for it.
Viice if resdin. Thsnks heavens Insm a perfectly heslthy perdon snd need sbdolutely no medication(s) but your comment does not surprise a bit. Remember, on this thread and social media everyone is entitled to their opinion, even adding others opinion to my writing as requested at the moment. So 2 choices fir you:! Don’t read or Read and move on without sending someone to take medication and so forth, that is not an opinion but lack of respect towards the opportunity given in this forum. Live and let live. Even though, I respect your comment and I am sure it is because it hit a chord within you. Thank you.
@Voice of reason – Thanks heavens that I am a perfectly healthy person and need absolutely no medication(s) at all, but your comment does not surprise me a bit. Remember that on this thread and social media everyone is entitled to their opinion and in this case, even adding others opinion within, as requested. So, 2 choices for you: Don’t read … or Read and move on not sending a perfectly healthy person to take ‘your medication maybe’ and other things which are not opinions but lack of consideration towards the opportunity given in this forum. Live and let live. Even so, I respect your comment which I am sure it’s because it hit a chord within you. Thank you. Moderstor, please replace this corrected verdion of my reply above fir this one. Thanks
INCREASE IN CRIME- …TROUBLED: …DISSATISFIED: …INTOLERANT: …PM BUCK-THEM-UP
In order to ‘…BUCK-UP’ the ‘…Security Forces,’ PM Browne ‘…FIRED WARNING SHOTS
CONCEIVABLE TARGET
There was really one ‘TARGET,’ but the ‘…Prime Minister’ has identified every ‘…CONCEIVABLE TARGET.’
SHAPE-UP OR SHIFT-OUT: …TO THE COMMANDERS OF:
(i) ‘…The National Defence Force (ABDF):
(ii) …ROYAL POLICE FORCE OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA:
(iii) …Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP):
(iv) …Department of Immigration: to
(v) …Customs and Excise:’ they were all called upon to:
‘…SHAPE-UP or …SHIFT OUT.’
ORGANIZATIONAL BOW
Now, likened to incursions into ‘…Territorial Sea,’ a clearly: ‘…Troubled: …Intolerant: and …Dissatisfied ‘…Prime Minister, GASTON BROWNE,’ would have fired a ‘…CLOSE WARNING SHOT,’ across the ‘…Organizational Bow’ of ‘…Commissioner of Police, Atlee Rodney QPM.’
HERE IS WHY…? ‘…FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF POLICE FORCE
From a professional knowledge-base perspective, of all the ‘…COMMANDING OFFICERS’ of the several ‘…STATE AGENCIES’ represented, none has the ‘…FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY’ that states:
‘…The Force shall be ‘…PRIMARILY EMPLOYED’ for:
(i) ‘…The Prevention and Detection of Crime: and
(ii) …The Repression of ‘…INTERNAL’ disturbance’ [Section 3 (2): Police Act: Chapter 330].
REPELLING EXTERNAL AGGRESSION:
Notwithstanding the ‘…Role and Function’ of the ‘…ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA DEFENCE FORCE (ABDF),’ the ‘Police Act,’ also states:
EXTERNAL AGGRESSION
‘The ‘FORCE’ shall also be employed for the ‘…Defence of Antigua and Barbuda’ against ‘…EXTERNAL AGGRESSION’ [Section 4: Chapter 330].
Seemingly not wanting to be seen as singularly harsh, on the apparent ineptitude or ineffective ‘…CRIME FIGHTING STRATEGIES’ of the ‘…Primary Law Enforcement Agency- POLICE,’ charged with responsibility for:
(i) …THE PREVENTION OF CRIME: and
(ii) …THE DETECTION of those that could not have been ‘…PREVENTED,’ a clearly:
(a) …TROUBLED:
(b) …DISSATISFIED:
(c) …INTOLERANT: and
(d) …FIRED-UP PRIME MINISTER, Gaston Browne,’ bravely and boldly held the apparent
‘…TAMED BULLS,’ by their TAILS.’
TAMED AND INEFFECTIVE BULLS
Though not so described by the ‘PM,’ these ‘…TAMED AND INEFFECTIVE BULLS’ were really not animals.
WILD ON CRIME
They were men and women of reasonably high intellect, thus, he had spoken to them in ‘…LANGUAGE’ they all understood. They were relieve themselves of their ‘…TAMENESS’ to become ‘…WILD ON CRIME.’
RAMPANT ACTS OF CRIMINALITY: …USE OF STATE-PROVIDED RESOURCES
They were not only to ‘…Use Sate-Provided Resources’ in curbing ‘…RAMPANT CRIMINALITY’ within the society, but also in ‘…UNRELENTING’ in a meaningful attempt in ‘…CONTROLLING THE CRIMINAL ELEMENT.’
PM RULES – TAME BULLS
With that which may have been allowed to be seen or perceived to be an unstoppable ‘…ESCALATION IN MURDERS AND ROBBERIES,’ the ‘…Prime Minister, not only ‘RULES,’ but seemingly held the ‘…TAME BULLS,’ and ‘WARNS’ that ‘…BULL TAILS’ could be used in ‘…STEWS.’
Likened the song: ‘…ARCHIE,’ the ‘PM,’ …BUCK-THEM-UP.’
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