Prime Minister Gaston Browne is calling for significantly harsher sentences for gun-related offences following the fatal shooting of two teenagers in Villa, arguing that lenient court rulings are undermining efforts to combat violent crime.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne told state media that authorities are doing everything possible to prosecute those involved in gun crimes, but that the courts are "not working with us" by handing down sentences he considers far too light.
Browne, who also serves as the parliamentary representative for Villa, said individuals convicted of gun-related offences should face lengthy prison terms sufficient to act as a deterrent.
"People involved in gun crimes should be put away for a long time… if you're involved in a gun crime, you're going to jail for at least 10 years," he said.
The Prime Minister questioned why some offenders are receiving sentences as short as 18 months or one year, despite legislative efforts to increase penalties for such offences. "How can you justifiably give people 18 months and one year?" Browne asked, suggesting that decisions at both trial and appellate levels are working against public policy.
While acknowledging the independence of the judiciary, Browne said there is a "fundamental problem" when court rulings conflict with the government's strategy to address gun violence. He urged judges to apply laws as intended and warned that continued leniency could have broader consequences for public safety across the region.
"You need to step up… stop allowing these situations where you are literally reducing sentences for gun crimes," Browne said.
The Prime Minister's remarks follow the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Brianna Clark and her boyfriend, Omari Lewis, in Villa on Thursday. Police investigations into the killings are ongoing.
