ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda — September 22, 2026 — Prime Minister the Right Honourable Gaston Browne and Minister responsible for Public Safety, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, have strongly condemned the latest incident of gun violence in the Bathlodge community, which has claimed the life of a 20-year-old woman, left a 13-year-old in critical condition at hospital, and resulted in a third person suffering gunshot injuries.
Prime Minister Browne described the incident as deeply disturbing and extended heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the young woman whose life was taken. He also expressed his concern for the injured and joined the nation in hoping for their recovery.
“The loss of a young life through gun violence is deeply troubling and unacceptable. A family is today grieving the loss of a daughter and loved one, while another family anxiously awaits news of a 13-year-old who is critically injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this terrible act of violence,” Prime Minister Browne stated.
The Prime Minister expressed deep concern and abhorrence at the incidences and recurrence of gun crimesin Antigua and Barbuda, stressing that the use of illegal firearms to carry out criminal acts cannot be allowed to become normalised within the society.
He called upon the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda to act swiftly and decisively in its investigation and to use every lawful resource available to identify, apprehend and bring the perpetrators before the courts.
“There can be no safe haven for those who take illegal firearms into our communities and recklessly endanger the lives of our people. I have every confidence that the Police will pursue this matter vigorously, and I urge them to act swiftly to identify and apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice,” Prime Minister Browne said.
Minister responsible for Public Safety, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, joined the Prime Minister in condemning the shooting and assured citizens and residents that the Police will remain active and resolute in confronting gun crime.
Sir Steadroy noted that the latest incident comes at a time when the Royal Police Force has intensified its crime-fighting activities aimed at suppressing serious criminal activity and increasing police presence in identified areas.
“This latest act will not weaken the resolve of the Government or the Police. The Royal Police Force will continue to be active and relentless in its efforts to bring crime under control, to remove illegal firearms from our streets, and to identify and bring offenders before the courts,” Sir Steadroy stated.
He said the Government will continue to provide the Police with the institutional and material support required to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
Prime Minister Browne and Sir Steadroy made a special appeal to residents of Bathlodge and surrounding communities, and to the wider public, to assist the Police investigation.
They stressed that persons who may have seen or heard anything, or who possess information that could assist investigators, should come forward and provide that information to the Police.
“Someone knows something. We appeal to that person or those persons to do what is right. Give the Police the information they need. Silence only protects those who commit these acts and allows them the opportunity to strike again,” Sir Steadroy stated.
The Government reiterated that combating gun violence cannot be the responsibility of the Police alone. Families, communities, schools, churches and other institutions must work together to discourage criminal behaviour, protect young people from negative influences and reject the presence and use of illegal firearms.
Prime Minister Browne and Sir Steadroy again expressed their condolences to the family of the young woman who lost her life and their solidarity with the families of those injured.
