Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Richard Lewis has voiced strong criticism of the current government’s approach to tackling crime in Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking on rising crime rates, Lewis expressed frustration with the lack of action by the Attorney General and the government in addressing what he described as a growing crisis gripping the nation
“I raised my voice over a year ago, and again four months ago, calling on the Attorney General to take decisive action to curb the rising crime situation,” Lewis said. “But my calls, like those of many others, have fallen on deaf ears.”The MP lamented the government’s apparent reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue with the opposition, claiming that the administration prefers to tackle the issue in isolation.
“Crime and violence are gripping this society, and they seem to have no answer. The government appears to be saying they don’t want to hear from the opposition—they will do it their own way. But this isn’t just their way; it concerns everyone.”
Lewis also took issue with the Prime Minister’s recent decision to engage directly with gang members in an effort to address the crime wave. He questioned the wisdom of this approach, saying, “Where in the world do you see a leader of any nation negotiating with criminals like this? It’s as though they’ve taken the role of the police into their own hands.”
Lewis emphasized that while he supports intervention for individuals seeking to turn their lives around, any such efforts should involve trained professionals and multiple stakeholders.
“If people want to change their lives, there must be an intervention that includes the police, social services, and gang intervention specialists. But what we see now lacks any of that. It’s just the Prime Minister acting on his own accord.”
The opposition MP also raised concerns about the message being sent to the public.
He questioned whether the government is providing similar support to law-abiding citizens who struggle to find employment and face hardship. “What happens to the individual who has chosen the straight and narrow path but is frustrated and can’t get a job? Is the Prime Minister prepared to meet with them and offer them hope, or are we telling people that the only way to get attention is by turning to a life of crime?”
Lewis is urging the government to reconsider its approach to crime-fighting and to prioritize a strategy that involves all relevant parties in society, while offering real support to those in need before they are driven to criminal activity.
