PM Browne Urges Discipline and Protection for Youth in Support of Small Charges Amendment
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has thrown his support behind the Small Charges (Amendment) Bill 2024, emphasizing its importance in protecting the youth and fostering a disciplined society.
Speaking in Parliament, Browne stated that the bill is a critical step toward building a better nation, noting that “we want to transform Antigua and Barbuda into an economic powerhouse,” but such a goal cannot be achieved in an environment of chaos and confusion.
Browne stressed that the bill aims to introduce discipline by discouraging loitering among minors and holding parents accountable. Under the proposed legislation, parents face fines for allowing their children to loiter at night, with penalties also imposed on venues that permit minors to remain on their premises between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
The Prime Minister acknowledged concerns that the bill could be seen as infringing on civil liberties but argued that it is necessary to address long-standing issues of indiscipline.
He noted that while there are provisions for fines, the bill also offers alternatives such as community service and rehabilitation programs, ensuring that the legislation is not purely punitive.
“We’re not seeking to criminalize them,” Browne explained, adding that the ultimate goal is to invest in the youth to create a more disciplined and productive society in the future. He called on all citizens to cooperate in fostering a culture of responsibility, saying, “We will be holding every single citizen of this country responsible.”
Browne commended his colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting the amendments and highlighted the government’s broader efforts to invest in education and infrastructure for the nation’s youth.
Small Charges (Amendment) Bill 2024 Passed in Parliament
The House of Representatives has approved the Small Charges (Amendment) Bill 2024, aimed at enhancing public safety by discouraging loitering by minors. The bill amends the Small Charges Act Cap 405, mandating that children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent between 10:00pm and 6:00am.
Parents face fines ranging from EC $2,000 to $5,000 or up to six months in prison for their children’s loitering offenses. Bars, nightclubs, and similar venues will also be fined EC $5,000 if they allow unaccompanied minors on their premises during these hours. The bill also includes a provision for community service.
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