By Azara Lavia
Recent meetings between the Prime Minister and two youth gangs have ignited fiery debates in numerous circles, from social media platforms and radio talk shows to community assemblies and political discussions.
The public’s reaction to the meetings has seen a mix of commendation, cynicism and apprehension, after Gaston Browne met with members of a group calling themselves the Gray’s Farm Killers on Monday evening and another dubbed 2Drilly last Thursday.
Observer took to social media on Tuesday to garner the public’s feedback on whether the PM was right to meet with the gangs – and how confident they were that the intervention would be successful in stemming recent violence which came to a head with the brutal murder of teenager Achazia James last month.
“It was ridiculous,” said one Facebook user. “[The gangs have] already done so much wrong to so many, some way more than others and yet we want to meet and suggest no consequences?”
Those comments were echoed by another person who wrote, “What about the crimes they committed or the members of the gang committed? What about the punishment? It’s no justice for such things; they out there stabbing robbing n shooting people n just a slap on the wrist or a private meeting with Gaston they get. Antigua a joke – that’s why they acting out no punishment. They should of been made examples instead he saying commit a crime we can sit down. The government owe people money and they can’t get Gaston on the phone; go commit crimes and u can have a private meeting with the PM.”
Another person queried if the PM was the appropriate person to lead the talks aimed at reaching a truce between the warring factions.
“Don’t believe it, ‘cause why should it come from his mouth and not the 2 gangs come together with the appropriate leaders in the presence of the media,” they wrote.
Others agreed the talks had been a positive step.
“Yes, I’m pleased the PM met with the gang members. As adults, when we see unruly behaviour, we need to understand the root cause, just as the PM did. I commend his approach. Some parents know their children are involved in gangs but turn a blind eye. I hope this meeting inspires them to change and become productive citizens in Antigua,” one person wrote.
According to Prime Minister Browne, the meeting was very productive, with a focus on strategies for rehabilitation to include the provision of employment and skills building.
The members, whom Browne described as primarily teenagers, apparently expressed a desire to call a truce.
Browne remarked that there had been a number of chilling revelations from gang members, with some relating near-death experiences.
An individual who attended the meeting remarked that the PM was visibly shaken by the injuries sustained by some members, such as stab and chop wounds.
“I am very happy that I followed my intuition to engage them, because it was obvious that these young men needed our help, were yearning for someone to reach out to them. As a society, we have failed them to some extent by not reaching out sooner,” the Prime Minister said.
“In addition to the serious injuries they suffered, several of them dropped out of school at the age of 14 or 15 because of fear of retaliation. The focus is to enrol them in the YEEP second chance programme and ABICE to assist with their skills building,” he explained.
Browne also announced that in addition to a truce meeting set for Thursday, members of the two gangs will meet this weekend for a friendly football match at Turf on Factory Road, with the aim of rekindling friendships.
Follow-up meetings and other initiatives to aid in their development and reform are being finalised.
