Prime Minister Gaston Browne Criticizes Religious Leaders for Discouraging Meeting with Former Gang Members

Prime Minister Gaston Browne Criticizes Religious Leaders for Discouraging Meeting with Former Gang Members

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly criticized religious leaders who attempted to dissuade him from meeting with former gang members, expressing concerns about the broader implications of their actions. In a recent address, Browne highlighted that several pastors had visited his office, urging him to reconsider his decision to engage with these individuals.

Browne acknowledged the concerns raised by the religious leaders, noting that their objections seemed to stem from a mixture of concern for his safety and a belief that engaging with former gang members might be seen as rewarding criminal behavior. However, he firmly stated that it is not the role of religious leaders to dictate government policy or prevent efforts aimed at rehabilitation.

“I understand their concerns, but what they did is not their job,” Browne remarked. “I don’t think there was any malice in their intentions—just concern. They were worried about my safety and possibly thought that by engaging with these individuals, I was somehow rewarding them.”

The Prime Minister went on to criticize the harsh stance some members of society have towards former gang members, noting that there are those who believe these individuals should be incarcerated or even killed. He expressed dismay at the opposition’s stance, which he characterized as advocating for a punitive rather than a rehabilitative approach.

“Some people believe that all of them should be put in jail, or worse, put on the ground,” Browne stated. “Even the opposition has been irresponsible in this regard, suggesting that instead of constructive engagement, we should be using police force to kill them. But if the police were to even inadvertently kill one or two of them, these same people would be the first to cry out about extrajudicial killings.”

Browne emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and constructive engagement as a means of addressing the challenges posed by crime and gang activity in Antigua and Barbuda. He reiterated his commitment to finding solutions that do not rely solely on punitive measures, urging for a more balanced approach that includes efforts to reintegrate former gang members into society.

The Prime Minister’s remarks have sparked debate within the community, with some supporting his stance on rehabilitation, while others remain skeptical about engaging with individuals who have been involved in criminal activities. The conversation continues as the government navigates the complexities of addressing crime and ensuring public safety in the nation.

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