Antigua PM condemns rally shooting as criminal, vows tough action on guns

Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Gaston Browne has taken a firm stance against the criminal violence that marred a recent political rally, assuring the public that the shooting incident was not politically motivated.

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I note the statement issued by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda confirming that this incident is not politically motivated and is not connected to the event itself. That clarification is important, and the public should take careful note of it.

Browne, speaking for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), highlighted the Royal Police Force's confirmation that the gunfire, which erupted during a performance by Jamaican dancehall artiste Masicka, was unrelated to the political event itself. This clarification is crucial for maintaining public trust and preventing the politicization of criminal acts.

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What occurred was an act of criminal violence, rooted in illegal guns and ongoing disputes, which intruded upon a public gathering. It has no place in our society.

The Prime Minister unequivocally condemned the violence, attributing it to illegal firearms and ongoing disputes rather than political tensions. He stressed that such criminal acts have no place in Antiguan society and vowed to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible.

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I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the use of illegal firearms, gang activity and any form of violence that endangers innocent lives and undermines the peace and stability of our nation. Those responsible must be identified, apprehended and brought before the courts.

Browne used the incident to reinforce his administration's commitment to tackling gun violence, citing strengthened legislation, increased penalties for firearm offenses, and intensified efforts to disrupt the flow of illegal weapons. This proactive approach underscores the government's dedication to safeguarding national peace and stability.

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The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Government has acted decisively to confront this threat. We have strengthened the law, increased penalties for the illegal possession and use of firearms and intensified efforts to disrupt the importation and circulation of illegal weapons.