‘Gun Shot Can’t Run This Town’: Browne Urges Youth to Reject Crime and Violence
Prime Minister Gaston Browne delivered a firm message on crime and youth during his Independence Day address, warning that violence has no place in Antigua and Barbuda’s future.
“Gun shot can’t run this town,” Browne declared as he called on young people to put down their weapons, pursue education and training, and “level up” toward meaningful employment and opportunity.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came as the nation marked its 44th anniversary of Independence, with Browne highlighting that Antigua and Barbuda continues to record one of the lowest crime and homicide rates in the Caribbean. He said nine homicides have been reported so far this year—two fewer than last year—but emphasized that “nine is still too many.”
He acknowledged a recent spate of robberies and said law enforcement operations will intensify, backed by new technology and intelligence-gathering efforts to ensure communities remain safe.
“Crime does not pay — and those who persist with crime and violence will surely pay the price,” Browne warned.
“Crime does not pay — and those who persist with crime and violence will surely pay the price,” Browne warned.
He urged young citizens to turn away from the lure of quick money, saying it “sweet, but bitter in the end,” and instead take advantage of government programmes like the Youth Employment and Empowerment Programme (YEEP), academic scholarships, and vocational training opportunities.
“Be a productive youth and invest in knowledge and skill,” he said, framing discipline, responsibility, and self-improvement as the path to lasting success.
Browne reaffirmed that security is not only the work of police but the shared responsibility of every citizen who chooses peace over lawlessness.
“Our freedom endures because our society respects the rule of law,” he said. “Security and justice will always prevail.”
“Our freedom endures because our society respects the rule of law,” he said. “Security and justice will always prevail.”
