Antigua and Barbuda Police to Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Ski Masks

Police in Antigua and Barbuda will launch an intensified enforcement campaign against the wearing of ski masks in public, with officers instructed to confiscate the prohibited apparel as the government seeks to curb what it says is a growing trend among young people.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the initiative during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, saying Cabinet and the Police Administration are concerned about the increasing number of people, particularly youths, wearing ski masks in public despite the items being prohibited.

Merchant said the issue was discussed during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting after ministers observed what appears to be a growing fashion trend involving ski masks.

“You would note that, as you drive through Antigua and Barbuda and you walk the streets, you would notice that there is an increase in the individuals who are wearing ski masks in Antigua and Barbuda for unknown reasons,” Merchant said.

“It’s probably a fashion statement by some of our young people with these ski masks.”

He stressed that ski masks are considered illegal apparel except in limited circumstances where they are required for work.

“However, the police and the Cabinet wish to advise parents and the general public that ski masks are banned apparel in Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said.

He noted that some workers, such as those in the construction industry, may legitimately possess ski masks while performing their duties, but said that exemption does not extend to wearing them in public after working hours.

Merchant said police have been directed to mount what he described as a “rigorous campaign” to remove ski masks from the streets.

“The Cabinet and the police wish to advise the public that they will be mounting a rigorous campaign to rid the country of what are illegal ski masks on the streets of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.

According to Merchant, officers will confiscate ski masks found in violation of the law.

“If you have a ski mask, the police will be removing that from your person,” he said.

He warned that anyone who resists officers during the enforcement exercise could face further police action.

“And if you provide resistance, the law gives the police to take necessary actions to remove the ski mask from your person,” Merchant added.

Merchant said the discussions also touched on a recent increase in jewellery snatching incidents. He said Prime Minister Gaston Browne argued that offenders should face tougher consequences rather than what he described as a “slap on the wrist,” although no new policy measures were announced during the briefing.

The enforcement campaign is expected to begin as police intensify efforts to discourage the wearing of face coverings that authorities believe can facilitate criminal activity while also addressing what officials describe as a growing public safety

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