Government warns it won’t be business as usual
Yet another eastern Caribbean country has announced the implementation of measures to stem a growing crime scourge.
This time it’s the twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda. The country’s Public Safety Minister Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin warned during a press conference yesterday that it would not be business as usual.
Stronger legislation
Benjamin said the anti-crime measures would include stop and searches, which will be increased in criminal hotspots. He also pointed to stronger legislation, more resources to the law enforcement agencies, enhancing cooperation between the police force, the army, the Organization of Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP), the Customs and Immigration Departments.
Importation of guns to be tackled
Benjamin said that X-ray machine facilities and K9 units will be installed at the various Ports of Entry to tackle the importation of illegal firearms.
“Let me make this clear to all and sundry in this nation, the government has a zero tolerance to crime. Who does the crime, will pay and serve the time. We shall make sure that those two last words are enforced in the state of Antigua and Barbuda.” He said.
Benjamin added that based on the records he has received, 12 suspected murders were committed in Antigua and Barbuda between the period February 12 and August 18, this year.
