Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that police are investigating a possible link between gang activity and the fatal shooting of two teenagers this week, according to Antigua News Room. Speaking on his weekly radio programme, Browne pointed to longstanding tensions between rival groups in Gray's Farm and Villa as a potential factor in the killings.
The prime minister stopped short of confirming a direct connection but said investigators are actively examining whether the double homicide is tied to past clashes between those groups, which had previously experienced heightened levels of violence.
Browne recalled personally intervening approximately two years ago when tensions between the rival factions escalated. He said he met directly with young men involved and delivered a frank warning about the path they were on.
"I was very frank with them here. When I met them, I said, 'Look, it's one of two outcomes, you know. He's either going to jail or in the grave. So make up your mind, take your pick,'" Browne said.
The prime minister noted that the majority of those he spoke with heeded the warning, returning to school and pursuing more constructive paths. "Admittedly, most of them took the advice… went back to school, they're doing well, and we're proud of them," he said.
However, a small number chose otherwise, with consequences Browne described as tragically predictable. "But we had one or two… a handful of them who didn't take the advice. And, you know, exactly what we warned them," he added.
Browne extended condolences to the families of both victims, stating that regardless of the circumstances, "there's no reason why anybody should just snuff out their life like that."
The prime minister said government efforts to steer at-risk youth away from crime would continue, including community outreach and support for education and employment opportunities, while police pursue those responsible for the killings.
