Antigua government maintains curfew for young people

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda government says that the eight-hour curfew specifically geared towards young people 18 years and under will remain in force, even as the country prepares to host its annual Carnival celebrations.

The Carnival will run from July 25 to August 5 under the theme “Itz A Vibe.”

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin said the curfew will be enforced by the police and that the decision was taken following a meeting with Acting Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers and other senior members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB).

“I was of the view that with the Carnival season right upon us, we would have relaxed the curfew for the festivities. However, following the discussions with the senior management of the RPFAB, it was strongly recommended that the curfew should remain in place,” Benjamin said, noting that the matter had also been discussed during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

“The main reasons why the police, in particular, are against lifting the curfew have to do with the spate of crimes that have been committed in recent weeks—many of which have been perpetrated by young people. Lifting the curfew at this time, it is felt, would not be advantageous to the entire country,” he added.

A statement issued following the Cabinet meeting noted:

“After comprehensive consultations—including input from senior officials of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda—the Cabinet resolved that the law will remain in force and that its provisions are to be strictly enforced.”

It warned that under the legislation, parents or guardians of minors found in breach of the curfew may face several penalties, including a fine of up to EC$5,000 for a third offence. For earlier offences, warnings or escalating fines starting at EC$2,000 and increasing to EC$3,000 and then EC$5,000 may apply, along with the possibility of six months’ imprisonment or community service.

Establishments such as bars, nightclubs, or events that permit unaccompanied minors during curfew hours may also be fined EC$5,000 per violation, the Cabinet statement noted.

“The government views the curfew as part of a broader strategy to curb youth-related crime, reduce unsupervised night-time activity, and reinforce the responsibility of parents and guardians in safeguarding the well-being of minors.”

Under the curfew, young people 18 years and under are required to be in the company of an adult if they are on the streets after 10:00 p.m. (local time). The police are authorised by law to take into custody any youth they believe may pose a danger to society if found on the streets during curfew hours, which run until 6:00 a.m.

The curfew was introduced as part of measures to curb rising criminal and gang-related activities in the country.

Recently, an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old were arrested in the company of an adult who committed two armed robberies within the span of 48 hours.

Meanwhile, police are investigating a shooting incident on Wednesday night in a neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital that left 16-year-old Tafari Joseph dead.

Reports indicate that he sustained a single gunshot wound to the upper body and was transported to the hospital by private vehicle.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, in a statement, noted that Joseph, who was previously involved in gang activity, was among several youths the government had attempted to support through education and employment.

“We enrolled him at ABICE, provided tools and uniforms, and gave him a job opportunity. Sadly, he was the first to drop out,” Browne said, extending condolences to the teen’s family.

Browne, who is also the parliamentary representative for Villa, said he hopes the tragedy will deter others from engaging in criminal activity.

“Crime and violence do not pay. Those who engage in it will pay the price,” he said.

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