As Antigua and Barbuda faces the challenges of youth delinquency and gang violence, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has outlined a robust strategy designed to rehabilitate at-risk youth and reintegrate them into society.
Central to this approach is what Browne refers to as the “4E strategy,” which focuses on four key areas: Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Enhancement (Rehabilitation).
This comprehensive plan aims to steer juveniles away from crime and towards productive, positive futures.
Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Browne reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the root causes of youth delinquency, particularly gang involvement.
“We wanted to give these young people a second chance,” Browne stated, emphasizing that the solution goes beyond punitive measures and focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration.
The 4E strategy offers at-risk youth multiple avenues for personal and professional growth. Recognizing that many gang members are young individuals who have dropped out of school, the government has prioritized creating educational opportunities for them.
According to PM Browne, this approach seeks to provide an alternative to criminal activity and encourage youth to pursue productive careers.
“We are providing educational opportunities, opportunities for employment, opportunities for entrepreneurship, and opportunities for enhancement or rehabilitation,” he explained. The goal is to not only reduce recidivism but to eliminate the existence of gangs altogether by empowering youth with the tools to succeed.
Already, significant steps have been taken to implement the strategy. The Harrison ABIS facility has enrolled a growing number of former gang members who are participating in skills development programs. PM Browne proudly shared that 32 former gang members are now involved in these educational initiatives, with many more seeking to engage in employment opportunities.
In addition to educational programs, the government has committed to accelerating employment opportunities for these youth. Prime Minister Browne revealed that several gang members had expressed interest in working at Solid Waste, a public sector entity, and the government has made arrangements to fast-track their employment.
The government’s support extends beyond basic job placement, however. It is also fostering entrepreneurship among at-risk youth by encouraging them to start their own small businesses. In one such initiative, a group of youth will soon be involved in running a bakery from the community center in Browne’s constituency.
Furthermore, the government is repurposing a hydroponic facility to be managed by former gang members, allowing them to gain experience in agricultural entrepreneurship. These practical, hands-on opportunities are designed to build skills, instill a sense of responsibility, and provide sustainable livelihoods.
Prime Minister Browne reiterated that the government’s focus is not just on punishment but on comprehensive reform. “We have given significant thought to the approach that we ought to take,” he stated. The administration is taking steps to reduce recidivism by ensuring that former gang members are provided with the resources and support they need to reintegrate into society successfully.
One of the central elements of this reform is the expansion of existing rehabilitation facilities. The Boys Training School, for instance, has been refurbished, and the government is moving forward with plans to build a youth detention facility on-site. These spaces will focus on rehabilitation rather than merely detention, preparing young offenders for reintegration into their communities.
The 4E strategy represents a holistic, long-term approach to addressing youth crime and delinquency in Antigua and Barbuda. By offering young people a pathway out of crime through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and enhancement, the government is actively working to transform the lives of at-risk youth.
Prime Minister Browne expressed optimism that these efforts would yield positive results. “We are approaching this issue in a very holistic way,” he said, stressing that providing opportunities for youth and addressing the underlying issues behind delinquency is crucial to preventing future criminal activity.
With a commitment to rehabilitation at the forefront, Antigua and Barbuda’s government is setting an example of how a nation can tackle youth delinquency and gang violence while offering young people the chance to turn their lives around.
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