The Commissioner of Police informed that sixty five percent of all reported crimes occur in the City of St. John’s; thirty five reported robberies occurred for the year thus far, and nine illegal guns were taken from the streets thus far in 2023. Not many incidents of Youth on Youth Violence have been reported since the execution of a plan put forward by the Uniformed Bodies. However, the Police have concluded that older criminals are using young men to commit crimes. The Police proposed the introduction of CCTV cameras in and around St. John’s, so that images of the criminals can be captured. The Police also proposed a VHF radio system to reduce the response time following their receipt of a reported crime or a reported automobile accident. The cost of the radio system is estimated at $350,000 USD.
The Commissioner also reported that just a little more than 600 active duty officers and about 200 fire police make up the RPFAB. A little more than 2,000 additional police officers are required to meet the force-strength that would be ideally able to address adequately the crime situation throughout the nation. The Chief of Defence Staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) informed that 120 additional soldiers are required to fulfill the calculated quantum of soldiers to match Antigua and Barbuda’s population. He also reported that not only an increase in manpower but VHF radios, military assets and training are also required.
A report was also received about what assets and human resources will be required for the new Barbuda Airport. More Fire Police and a firetruck will be required. The Cabinet thanked the Security Officials for their several reports and for pointing to the needs to successfully fight crime. They were assured of the full support of the Executive, including the allocation of funds to meet the deployment of equipment.
