Antigua and Barbuda Government Considers Curfew for Minors to Combat Rising Juvenile Crime
Prime Minister Gaston Browne addressed growing concerns about juvenile involvement in crime and the safety of minors in Antigua and Barbuda. The Prime Minister hinted at the possibility of implementing a long-term curfew for individuals under the age of 18, a move intended to curb the increasing gang violence among youth and protect minors from predatory behavior.
During a radio interview, Prime Minister Browne elaborated on the rationale behind the proposed curfew, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to safeguard children. He referenced disturbing incidents involving young girls as young as 13 frequenting nightclubs late into the night, with one specific case involving a 15-year-old girl staying out until 3:00 a.m. “We may have to go the extra mile now to protect our minors by introducing these types of curfews,” Browne stated, expressing concern over the potential risks faced by unsupervised youths during late hours.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the public’s concerns regarding the potential restrictions, drawing comparisons to the strict measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he clarified that the proposed curfew is not a temporary solution but rather a long-term strategy to address what he described as “significant gaps in parenting” in the country. “If parents can’t keep their children off the street at midnight and early in the morning, we may have to do so by law,” Browne asserted.
While the exact timing of the curfew is still under discussion, with suggestions ranging from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Browne emphasized that the government would consult further before finalizing the details. He mentioned that the final decision is expected to be made during the next sitting of Parliament, scheduled within the next 10 days. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of balancing the need for child safety with the preservation of some degree of freedom for minors, cautioning against overly restrictive measures.
The proposed curfew, once enacted, would apply to all minors under the age of 18, with exceptions potentially made for those who have left school early and are employed. The intent, according to Browne, is to ensure that young people spend their evenings engaged in constructive activities, such as studying and developing good habits, rather than being exposed to criminal elements or risky situations.
As the government prepares to introduce this curfew legislation, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to these stringent new measures. However, with juvenile crime and exploitation on the rise, the Prime Minister’s initiative signals a decisive move to protect the nation’s youth and maintain public order.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua! We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.Contact us at [email protected]
