Antigua’s Acting Police Commissioner, Everton Jeffers, has warned of a “national emergency” as youth violence surges across the country.

His comments follow murder charges laid against a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old within the same week.

“This is not normal,” Jeffers said in a statement. “We are seeing children involved in robberies, drug use, gang activity, and even murder. These are not isolated incidents – the country is at risk of losing an entire generation.”

He said the trend points to deeper failings in homes, schools, and communities, and called for urgent national dialogue and collective responsibility.

Jeffers also urged adults to stop blaming children and instead focus on teaching respect, empathy, and conflict resolution.

He noted the police force has stepped up community outreach to support at-risk youth but added, “We cannot do this alone. We need all of Antigua and Barbuda involved.”