Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Pointe FM (screenshot)
Prime Minister Says Antigua and Barbuda Remains Safe Despite Global Challenges
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda remains one of the safer countries in the Caribbean, despite recent violent incidents and an increase in petty crimes.
Speaking on the Brown and Brown Show on Sunday, Browne said maintaining public safety remains a priority for his administration as it seeks to preserve the country’s appeal for both residents and visitors.
“I want to make sure that Antigua and Barbuda remains safe,” Browne said.
While acknowledging that the country has experienced several homicides this year, Browne said the overall rate remains relatively low when compared with other countries in the region.
“I think we have as many as four, and we’re about mid-year. So we’re doing well in the circumstances,” he said. “When you look at what is happening in other Caribbean countries within the OECS, we’re doing remarkably well.”
Browne said most of the killings stem from domestic disputes and urged citizens to resolve disagreements without resorting to violence.
“I just want to encourage our people to continue to resolve their conflicts amicably and not to resort to the type of violence that will result in homicides and increase our homicide rates,” he said.
He added that Antigua and Barbuda must remain a place where residents and tourists feel secure.
“Antigua and Barbuda must be safe for the nationals, the citizens, the residents and also for visitors who come to this country. They must feel as though they’re coming to a place where they can enjoy themselves without having to worry about crime and violence.”
The prime minister also expressed concern over an apparent increase in chain-snatching incidents, saying police are developing strategies to target those responsible.
“Those individuals are pretty young people. I’m told some of them are teenagers,” Browne said.
He said some of the youths involved in gang activity in recent years have since benefited from government intervention programmes, receiving skills training that has helped steer them away from crime.
“We have saved a number of them and reformed them to the extent that many of them now have a skill,” Browne said, adding that the government intends to continue supporting their development through additional education and training opportunities.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VIDEO: Prime Minister Says Antigua and Barbuda Remains One of the Caribbean's Safest Countries.