Police say Antigua and Barbuda has recorded a significant reduction in youth violence, but authorities remain concerned about signs that problems involving young people could be resurfacing.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Lisbon Michael, head of the Criminal Investigations Department, said intervention programmes, greater parental involvement and support from communities have contributed to improvements.
Michael made the comments during an interview on ABS’ Antigua Barbuda Today while discussing the police response to crime and violence involving young people.
“We have seen a significant reduction where youth violence is concerned,” Michael said.
He pointed to the work of the Youth Intervention Department within the Criminal Investigations Department, which targets children and young people between the ages of 5 and 18, including those displaying concerning behavioral patterns and those from homes experiencing conflict.
Michael said about 50 young people graduated from the programme in 2024, with a similar number completing it in 2025. Another graduation is expected.
He said some participants entered the programme showing what he described as “traces of criminal background,” but police have subsequently observed major changes in some of them.
“I’ve seen some transformational changes within those persons because I personally have been tracking them,” Michael said, adding that some have become involved in social work and community development.
Michael said increased involvement from parents and people within communities has also contributed to the reduction.
However, police are not treating the issue as resolved. During the interview, concerns were raised about renewed hostilities involving very young people and the possibility of youth violence returning to levels seen several years ago.
Michael said part of Operation Restore Confidence is aimed at breaking up elements of gang violence within communities, with police vigorously targeting people associated with groups they believe are contributing to the problem.
“We have to do something about the youths,” Michael said, warning that without continued intervention, “we are going to lose an entire generation.”
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Police Say Youth Violence Has Declined but Warn Problem Has Not Disappeared.