PM Gaston Browne engages in discussion with 2Drilly Crew about rising gang violence

In light of the increasing gang violence in Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, this Thursday, 29th August 2024, held an important meeting with members of the 2Drilly crew to discuss reformations.

Discussions between the two stated parties, to instill peace and reformations in the youth on the island, began with prayers at the Villa Community Centre.

The move by Prime Minister Browne of the nation comes amidst reports of growing gang clashes, especially between the 2Drilly crew and their foes, the Grays Farm Killers (GFK), in the forms of violent melees using cutlasses and cleavers. Several people have been seriously injured from these clashes, making the need for intervention very compelling.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Browne urged unity among them, reminding them that they are all Antiguans and Barbudans and thus share the same destiny. He urged them to break ties with violence and become positive and caring individuals who would thrive and build lives of significance by adding to the nation’s growth.

“Your purpose in life is not to kill and to maim but to contribute positively to our nation,” Browne told them.

Encouragingly, the 2Drilly crew agreed to pursue a peaceful and constructive path forward. PM Browne further said that the government stood ready to support such a transition by providing work opportunities and making the necessary skills available through the Harrison Center School of Continuing Education for such development to take place.

Members of the crew also promised to enrol in the Youth Empowerment and Education Programme’s YEEP Second Chance programme, which is education and vocational training that targets the youth at risk.

To further seal this new course, Prime Minister Browne agreed to help the 2Drilly crew establish an egg retail business as part of a larger effort to get the young men involved in legitimate ways of making a living to wean them off the destructive cycle of gang violence.

This would be the second time Prime Minister Browne has had business regarding gang rehabilitation. About two decades ago, he played a leading role in rehabilitating the Red Shirt Gang through his work with community activist Luther Lee, resulting the group eventually disbanded as its members were successfully reintegrated into productive roles within the society.

The meeting with the 2Drilly crew was the result of an invitation publicly extended by Prime Minister Browne via radio, in response to increasing criminal activity by the island’s youth.

This invitation was accepted, and the agreement reached, is considered an important chapter in lessening gang violence and encouraging peace in Antigua and Barbuda.