By Elesha George
The pervasiveness of criminal activity by young people has forced the government to consider legal changes.
Next Thursday, members of parliament will discuss a new Anti-Gang Bill, along with changes to the Child Justice (Amendment) Bill, and the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill, which they hope will reduce crime in the country.
According to Cabinet spokesman Minister Melford Nicholas, the draft Bills are expected to be circulated to members of the legislature this week to consider before they are put to debate next week.
Measures will likely include penalties for parents of children who commit crimes, and a 10pm to 5am curfew for youngsters under 18.
“Parents have to do a better job of rearing their children, and that’s a judgment that I think would be fair to make at this particular time,” Nicholas stated. He emphasised that where parents fail, the government intends to intervene.
Nicholas pointed to gang activity as “a sign of failure” on multiple levels, underscoring the importance of parental guidance.
“The government can do everything that is possible… but without the engagement of the parents in the homes, working with teachers in the schools, and with church groups and others, if we allow our children to go astray, these are bound to be some of the outcomes,” he told reporters yesterday.
“Incarcerating young people with hardened criminals in the single prison system, it’s not acceptable, it’s not adequate, it’s not advisable. So, we are building a youth detention centre. There may be some short-term measures that we have to do until we get fully equipped.”
At least one of the Bills will include legislation for a five-year minimum mandatory term of imprisonment for anyone convicted of gun crimes. The current minimum custodial sentence for gun crimes is two years.
“We have to take it to the line to ensure that no opportunity exists for any wiggle room for this criminal behaviour,” Nicholas said.
The government is also planning consultations with key stakeholders, including judges, police, business representatives, NGOs, and the church. These discussions aim to ensure that the legislation reflects a broad range of perspectives, not just those of Parliament.
Additionally, plans are underway to establish a Criminal Justice Board, which will be responsible for reviewing crime-related legislation before it is presented to Parliament. This board will ensure that proposed laws are thoroughly vetted by experts and stakeholders.
To further support these changes, the government plans to reopen the Boys Training School in September, just in time for the new academic year. Funding will also be allocated to build a juvenile detention facility at the Army Base in Coolidge.
Nicholas urged civil society to contribute to filling the gaps in positive social activities for young people.
In a related effort, Prime Minister Gaston Browne is in discussions with the head of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court to review sentencing guidelines for judges.
Meanwhile, as an additional part of the government’s response to the disturbing crime situation in Antigua and Barbuda, a day of prayer has been scheduled for September 12, to be led by the Ecclesiastical Commission.
