ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Prime Minister Gaston Browne Monday underscored the importance of dealing effectively with the upsurge in criminal activities, saying Antigua and Barbuda “is emerging as one of the most significant tourism destinations” in the region.
Browne, meeting with senior law enforcement officials, said it is important that the island remains secured “to protect lives and livelihoods.
‘We cannot allow these criminal elements within the society to continue to terrorize our people. Our people are now living in fear thinking, thinking that the criminals are getting the better of us. But I am convinced that we have the resources, we have the expertise, we have the equipment. Watch video
‘We have the superior intelligence to develop the strategies and programs to defeat these criminal elements, and my remit to law enforcement agencies and all the supporting agencies is for us to lift our game literally,” Browne told the meeting that was also attended by senior Cabinet ministers, including the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Steadroy Benjamin.
The meeting comes in the wake of murders on the island, including a recent incident in which a man was killed, and two others left injured, one of them critically, following a shootout between police and alleged armed robbers.
Browne said that the authorities will use “all of our resources to ensure that these criminal elements are defeated in the interest of the stability of the country.”
He reiterated that the criminal elements were undermining the country’s future, “and it is important now for us to redouble our efforts and to do all in our power to ensure that these elements are put behind bars.”
Browne acknowledged the need for an all-society approach to the situation, “and even though we gathered here as national security personnel …we have to recognize we have to have strategies to engage the public.”
Browne said that the authorities have also strengthened surveillance and added new cameras, “but in essence, we want all law enforcement officers to understand that they have the full backing of the cabinet.
“So no one should feel timid about exercising their duties, and we are standing full square with law enforcement to defeat these criminal elements using all of the available resources.”
Browne said he was also sending a message to criminals from overseas who are planning to come to Grenada, saying, “We welcome immigrants to our country …and making valuable contributions.”
But he warned if they become a secret threat, “they ought to be deported,” adding he is not concerned about the political consequences of “taking these tough decisions against criminal elements including immigrants.”
Download video – Prime Minister Antigua & Barbuda Gaston Browne
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