The Cabinet invited 17 officials from the country’s law enforcement establishments to
its meeting on Wednesday to discuss the recent spate of criminal activities perpetrated
by a particular segment of the population.
The Cabinet Notes report that in attendance were the top brass of the Royal Police
Force of Antigua and Barbuda, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, the
Organization of National Drug Control and Money Laundering Policy (ONDCP), the
Fire Department, and an IT Specialist within the government service who collaborates
with law enforcement.
One of the main themes that came up for discussion was what has become evident in
recent times; the increase in the number of robberies by young males and other crimes
involving the use of firearms.
“The Prime Minister explained that the Cabinet stands full-square with law
enforcement, and the resources of the Treasury are to be made available in order to
stem the tide of these violent crimes,” the Cabinet Notes reported.
During the discussion, the Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney, noted that there can be
no statistics for crimes prevented; however, patrols and ‘Stop-and-Search’ by the
police and military act as a deterrent. The Police noted that there is a worrying trend
where young men of a younger age are choosing to become criminals, and to seek out
victims that are easier to rob.
It was agreed that all the data collected required analysis in order to determine the best
strategy. Collaboration between the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board and the
Police to provide plate numbers as part of the anti-crime strategy has been assured. The
security that has been organized for the SIDS4 conference, ICC T20 World Cup, and
even Carnival 2024, is in place and will deter criminal activity.
The IT Specialist provided assurances that the public cameras are working and that the
monitors will show images of events that are taking place on the ground.
