PM Gaston Browne calls for bold action against crime in Caribbean

Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne voiced that crime and violence in the Caribbean are on the rise. In his speech at the second Regional Symposium on Crime and Violence, Browne urged for movement against such ill practices, and the need for united efforts.

According to PM Browne, crime was ideally a perilous social vice that called for the destabilization of the region. He stressed, that everybody and everything should be fully involved in the process of opposing the crimes.

In his opinion, governments, regional judiciaries, and eventually communities, all of them have to join efforts. To some extent addressing crime cannot be done individually.

Prime Minister Browne defined several directions for improvement. Such measures include limiting purchase of guns, controlling gang members, and the demand reduction measure. He especially stressed that public awareness was an effective measure.

Shifting of these cultural practices, he noted, should begin at homes and then spread out to schools and other places. Rehabilitation of the youth is also important.

The changes required that PM Gaston Browne suggested were the establishment of the process and ways for the youth engaged in gangs. They have to take actions in order to persuade them that they should be able to turn into productive citizens of society.

“A key issue that for years has been relegated to the background is mental health,” as prominence by Browne. The commendation of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley who described Gaston Browne to have championed the cause for such issues, further supports his statements.

PM Gaston Browne insisted that mental illnesses are somehow connected to crime. Apparently, he noted, it is no longer possible to ignore this link between the two areas of concern.

Cultural influences were also stated to be another concerning aspect. PM Browne mentioned some kinds of music and changing norms as to fueling violence. It is therefore imperative that the age-long culture comes back into play and be one that is based on empathy and civilness.

Crime remains not only a social problem, but it is also an economic burden. PM Browne drew everyone’s attention to the fact that crime is a very expensive affair in the region.

The significant amounts of funds previously allocated to education and health sectors are now used for protection. Antiguan leader Browne also claimed that more of these funds can be directed into positive creation of a better tomorrow.

PM Gaston Browne is not wrong with his call to action. That being the case, the Caribbean has to confront crime as a matter of public health. It has to recognize its origins but also create prospects and hope for the young people in its territory at the same time.